Hebrews 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. NKJV One of the great types and shadows of the Old Testament is the brazen serpent on the pole. John 3:14-16 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Christ and the Brazen Serpent

Background Christ and the Brazen Serpent God delivers the Children of Israel from Egyptian captivity. Spies were sent to spy out the Promised Land. Numbers 13:1-2, 32-33 Children of Israel become discouraged. Numbers 14:1-4, 30-34 Korah, Dathan & Abiram complain. Numbers 16:1-2, 44-50

This Brings Us to the Story Christ and the Brazen Serpent This Brings Us to the Story Numbers 21:4-9 The people compain about the manna from heaven. God becomes fed up with their complaining and sends the fiery serpents to kill the people. But God in His mercy, provides an escape from death.

What Can We Learn From This Story Christ and the Brazen Serpent What Can We Learn From This Story The people were punished for their sin. Numbers 21:6 They were helpless and hopeless. But God’s grace, provided an escape from death. Numbers 21:8

Parallel In the Antitype Christ and the Brazen Serpent Parallel In the Antitype Just as the Children of Israel turned from God, we have also turned from God. Sin separates God and man. Isaiah 59:1-2 All mankind is guilty. Romans 3:10, 23 Just as the Children of Israel needed saving from their sins, we need to be saved from our sins. Matthew 1:21; Luke 19:10

Parallel In the Antitype Christ and the Brazen Serpent Parallel In the Antitype Just as the Children of Israel were punished for their sins, we will be punished for our sins. Romans 3:23 Just as the Israelites were hopeless and helpless in their sins, we were hopeless and helpless in our sins. Ephesians 2:12 The Israelites were saved by God’s grace. We are saved by God’s grace. Romans 5:8-9

Resemblance In The Remedies Christ and the Brazen Serpent Resemblance In The Remedies In the story of the serpent, the remedy was raised up before them. Numbers 21:9 Our remedy was raised up for us. John 12:32; John 8:28; John 3:14-16 The Children of Israel had to come to the serpent to be saved. Numbers 21:8 We must come to Christ to be saved. Revelation 22:17 Coming to Christ involves faith. Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24

Another Similarity Christ and the Brazen Serpent The Israelites carried the brazen serpent around for 800 years, gave it a name, and worshiped it as a religious relic. 2 Kings 18:1-4 People, for 2,000 years, have been carrying around crosses. God’s law forbad idolatry. Exodus 20:3-5

Another Similarity Christ and the Brazen Serpent People are still committing idolatry today. 1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen! Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Another Similarity Christ and the Brazen Serpent People are still committing idolatry today. 1 John 5:21; Colossians 3:5 People find many things to worship today. Money, recreation, books, T.V., movies, sports, family.

Christ and the Brazen Serpent Son John 3:14-17 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Christ and the Brazen Serpent