ETHOS Week 1: Believe – Encountering Christ “Get Lit” Week 7 Numbers 21:4–9
ETHOS - the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution[1]
Driving Questions:
We are all becoming something. The question is—WHO are you becoming, and WHO is shaping you?
READING RECAP:
Numbers 8–31 captures Israel’s preparation, rebellion, and journey through the wilderness as they approach the Promised Land. It begins with final preparations for worship (ch. 8–10), including the consecration of the Levites and the first observance of Passover since Egypt. But soon, the people grumble (ch. 11), Miriam and Aaron rebel (ch. 12), and the spies’ fearful report leads to national unbelief (ch. 13–14). God judges the people with 40 years of wandering—only Joshua and Caleb will enter the land.
In the wilderness, rebellion continues (Korah’s revolt, ch. 16), but God reaffirms His chosen leadership and priesthood. Laws for offerings and priesthood are reiterated (ch. 15, 18–19), and even Moses disobeys God (striking the rock, ch. 20). Balaam’s story (ch. 22–24) shows that even a pagan prophet cannot curse what God has blessed. Yet Israel falls again—into idolatry and immorality (ch. 25).
Despite all, God remains faithful. A new census (ch. 26) begins a fresh generation, the Exodus Generation. Joshua is appointed as Moses’ successor (ch. 27). Offerings, vows, and preparations for conquest are detailed (ch. 28–31), culminating in God's justice against Midian.
Key Theme:
Even in rebellion; God is holy, just, and faithful—preserving His covenant and preparing His people for promise. Jesus is the greater Moses and the true intercessor who leads us not just out of Egypt, but into eternal rest (cf. Heb. 3–4). “Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself.” Hebrews 3:3
Numbers 21:4-6 – The Wages of Sin, Is Death
“But the people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses.”
(v5) Romans 3:23 “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”
(v6) Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Numbers 21:7 – REPENTANCE
“We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take away the snakes.”
(v7) Romans 5:8 “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Numbers 21:8-9 – God Intercedes
“So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!”
(v8) Romans 10:9 “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
(v9) Romans 10:13 “For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
John 3:14-15 – Jesus is God’s Intercessor (Just so we know God doesn’t do anything by happenstance)
And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.
The Good News: John 3:16-17 – Salvation Comes by Faith in Jesus
16“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
