So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. Numbers 21:9
The Story
The Israelites again complained and spoke against God and Moses, so the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people. The snakes bit many people, and they died. Realizing that they had sinned, the people pleaded with Moses to speak to God on their behave. Following God’s instructions, Moses made a bronze snake and put it on a pole. When anyone was bitten, they looked up at the snake and lived. [1]
The Significance
Jesus revealed that the Son of Man would be lifted up, just like this snake was lifted up [2]. He was speaking of his death on the cross. The purpose: that those who believe may have eternal life. We have sinned just as the Israelites did, but instead of looking up at the snake, we look to Jesus, who saves us [3].
[1] Numbers 21:4-9; [2] John 3:14; [3] John 3:15-17