The bronze serpent is an unlikely symbol of grace. Like the ancient Israelites, we all have the same tragic impulse to resist dependence on God and choose the way that leads to death. But God had mercy on them, and ultimately, as Jesus explained in John 3:14-15, his “lifting up” onto the cross, and out of the tomb, and into heaven, would provide our permanent cure. Rather than always trying harder, we simply have to repent, admit our wrong, and then look in faith to his finished work on our behalf.
