John 3:13-17
No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man.
And 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.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
Homily:
“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” – Romans 5:18-19
“For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” – 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
If you take time to read the story of the serpent and the Israelites in Numbers 21:4-9, you will see that the cause of the fiery serpents was rebellion (sin). This brought death, and even with the lifting of the bronze serpent, death was still present for those that did look up to see (connect with) the bronze serpent.
Disobedience is our leading sin (rebellion). Disobedience to God’s word. And affliction always follows.
Thankfully, reconciliation is always possible, if we only choose to connect with He who gave all for us, on the cross.