As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. (John 3)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Sin brings the wrath of God. In the desert the Israelites were struck down by fiery snakes. Many Israelites died. God told Moses to place a fiery snake high on a pole, that the people would look in faith and live.
This Old Testament lesson is a PREVIEW of Christ on the Cross for you! The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6) Our sin brings the wrath of God. REPENT. Look to Christ Jesus on the Cross taking the punishment due you. When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (John 12)
Jesus takes your sin into His Body. Jesus, high and lifted up on Good Friday's Tree, takes the wrath of God for you. Jesus was put to death in your place. Jesus died so that you can live.
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us...We have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Romans 5)
The focus of the bible is Jesus coming to save sinners. Jesus goes to the Cross to rescue us from damnation. Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (Matthew 16)
The preaching of Christ Crucified and Risen is what Christians gather to hear week after week. For the unbeliever this is foolishness. The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor. 1)
Helena, the mother of Constantine, went on a pilgrimage in search of the true Cross of Christ. She is said to have found it in her quest. No need for you to go on a search for a relic of dead wood. Rather, turn your ears to the Word of God. Christ Crucified and Risen – brings you life eternal.
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.
Pick up your Cross and follow Jesus. As you suffer in this world, be comforted in the Crucified and Risen Lord for you.
Christ, the center of worship. I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne…Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5)
The faithful Christians gather around our Lord to worship Him. Jesus is with His Church in His Word, in the Waters of Baptism and in the Bread and Wine giving you His Body and Blood. Christ takes your curse and fills you with eternal blessings. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
On My Heart Imprint Your Image LSB 422:1
On my heart imprint Your image, Blessèd Jesus, King of grace,
That life’s riches, cares, and pleasures Never may Your work erase;
Let the clear inscription be: Jesus, crucified for me,
Is my life, my hope’s foundation, And my glory and salvation!