Moses - EP12 - 8.31.26

The Story of Moses and the Message of the Cross In this week's sermon, we delved into the transformative conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3. This discussion is pivotal because it introduces essential Christian doctrines such as the incarnation, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of being born again. Jesus, in his dialogue, references the story of Moses lifting the snake in the wilderness, drawing a parallel to his own crucifixion.

The Encounter with Nicodemus The sermon begins with Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a respected teacher in Israel. Nicodemus approached Jesus under the cover of night, seeking to understand if Jesus was truly sent by God. In this conversation, Jesus introduces the concept of being "born again," explaining that entrance into God's kingdom requires a spiritual rebirth, not just adherence to the law.

A Lesson from the Wilderness The story of Moses lifting the bronze snake, found in Numbers 21:4-9, serves as a precursor to the salvation offered through Jesus. As the Israelites wandered in the desert, they faced the consequences of their disobedience: venomous snakes. When they repented, God instructed Moses to create a bronze snake and lift it on a pole. Anyone bitten by a snake could look at it and live.

Key Themes: Faith Over Law: The Israelites' journey highlighted the transition from law to faith. Their survival depended not on their adherence to the law, but their faith in God's provision. Symbolism of the Snake: The bronze snake symbolized the coming salvation through Jesus. Just as the snake provided physical healing, Jesus' crucifixion offers spiritual salvation. Jesus Lifted Up Jesus draws a direct line from this Old Testament story to his own mission. In John 3:14-15, Jesus states, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." This act of being "lifted up" is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion.

Points of Reflection: The Cross as Salvation: The cross, like the bronze snake, may seem absurd as a symbol of salvation. Yet, it is through Jesus' death that believers find life. Faith in the Unseen: Just as the Israelites had to trust in the unseen power of God for healing, believers are called to trust in the unseen work of Jesus for eternal life. The Call to Action The sermon concludes with a challenge to the congregation:

Look to the Cross: Believers are encouraged to place their faith in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the only path to eternal life. Share the Message: Those who have found salvation are urged to share this message with others, lifting up Jesus so that others might be drawn to him. In summary, this sermon beautifully ties the story of Moses to the core message of the Gospel, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the necessity of sharing this good news with the world. As believers, we are reminded that our journey to the promised land of eternal life is paved by looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.