LESSON 6: The Bronze Serpent

(Numbers 21:4-9)

Have you seen snakes? Do you like them? Normally no one likes snakes. Most of us are scared of snakes because of the poisonous venom. Many have died from snake bites.
In the vast wilderness, the Israelites traveled under the leadership of Moses. God had freed them from slavery in Egypt, performed miracles before their eyes, and provided for their every need. Yet, despite His great love and care, the people often fell into a pattern of complaining and distrust.

One day, as they journeyed through the desert, they became impatient and spoke against both Moses and God. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread, no water, and we detest this miserable food!” they grumbled. Though God had given them manna from heaven, their hearts were filled with dissatisfaction.

God, in response to their ungratefulness, sent fiery serpents among the people. These venomous snakes bit them, and many Israelites fell sick and died. Have you ever grumbled against anyone? Against your parents or even against God? For the same sin, remember God punished the Israelites.

The people quickly realized that they had sinned against God and ran to Moses, pleading, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Please pray to the Lord to take the snakes away from us!”

Moses, full of compassion, prayed on behalf of the people. God, in His mercy, gave a surprising command: “Make a serpent and set it on a pole. Whoever looks at it will live.” Moses followed God’s instructions and made a bronze serpent, lifting it high on a pole. Whenever someone was bitten, they had only to look at the bronze serpent, and they were healed.

This miraculous event was not just a lesson for the Israelites but a foreshadowing of something much greater. Many years later, Jesus Christ would refer to this story when speaking to Nicodemus. He said, “Just 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 3:14-15).

Just as the Israelites had to look upon the bronze serpent to be saved, humanity must look to Jesus for salvation. The venom of sin brings spiritual death, but Jesus, lifted up on the cross, offers healing and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

The story of the bronze serpent teaches us that trust in God brings life, while rebellion leads to suffering. It reminds us that even in the face of our failures, God provides a way of redemption. Today, we are invited to put our faith in Jesus, our ultimate healer and Savior, and receive the gift of eternal life.