God showed His power and His love to the Israelites over and over again, and still they doubted and grumbled and sinned against Him. One time, after the Israelites grumbled, God sent venomous snakes to bite the Israelites, and many died in that plague. When they asked Moses to ask God to remove the snakes, God listened. But instead of taking the snakes away, God had Moses make a snake out of bronze and raise it on a pole. Whenever one of the Israelites was bitten, they could look at the bronze serpent and be healed. Jesus references this story right before the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16. In John 3:14-15, Jesus said that just like Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so He too would be lifted up, so that whoever believes in Him would have eternal life. We have sinned, just like the Israelites did. And just like the Israelites could look at the bronze serpent and be healed, we can look to Jesus and be healed from the eternal consequences of our sin. But sin still “bites” us, so to speak. There are always earthly consequences for sin. So don’t sin! And when you fail (which you will), look to Jesus and try again.
Bible Verses:
- Numbers 21:4-9 – The Bronze Serpent
- John 3:14-15 – “So the Son of Man…”
- Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death
- Romans 3:23 – All have sinned
Family Time Questions:
- What happened to the Israelites when they sinned in this story?
- What happens to us when we sin?
- How is Jesus like the bronze serpent?
Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for sending us Your Son, Jesus. Please help us to look to You for healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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