Just One Look

Numbers 21:1-9

Summary: In Numbers 21:1-9, the Israelites grumble against God and are punished by poisonous snakes. God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up, so that anyone who looks at it will be healed from the snake bites.

Application: Just as the Israelites were saved by looking at the bronze serpent, we are also saved by looking to Jesus on the cross. In our struggles and weaknesses, we must fix our gaze upon Christ, who brings us healing and redemption.

Teaching: This passage teaches us about the power of faith and obedience. It shows us that God provides a way of salvation even in the midst of our sin and disobedience. It also points us to Jesus as the ultimate source of healing and deliverance.

How this passage could point to Christ: The bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness is a foreshadowing of Jesus being lifted up on the cross. Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to be saved, we must look to Christ crucified for our salvation.

Big Idea: By fixing our gaze upon Christ, we find healing and salvation in our struggles and weaknesses.

Recommended Study: For a deeper understanding of the significance of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 and its connection to Jesus, consider exploring relevant commentaries in your Logos library. Look into how the imagery of the serpent is used throughout the Bible, especially in relation to sin and salvation. Reflect on the parallels between the bronze serpent and Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

The Book of Numbers

Moses fourth book of the Torah chronicles the Israelite journey throughout the wilderness of Sin after crossing the Red Sea. The cyclical structure of the contents evidence the contrasting themes of God’s revelation and humanity’s response, God’s unending faithfulness and humanity’s propensity toward disobedience. The census enumerations and tribal lists bespeak God’s fulfillment of the promise to Abraham to make of him a great nation. The recurring priestly purification texts evidence the holiness of God and outline the need for the people of God likewise to be holy, so as to be distinctively his. Together these themes highlight the necessity of wholeness, the unity of God, priests, and people working toward the realization and accomplishment of God’s design for the world.

The principal character in the Book of Numbers is unequivocally God. That God exists and proactively works in and through the lives of his special creation, humanity, male and female, is a quintessential theme of the Book of Numbers. The book is composed such that several aspects of God’s nature are disclosed: (1) Presence—God exists and extends himself so as to abide with his people. (2) Revelation—God relates and reveals himself to humanity. (3) Faithfulness—God is for his people and fulfills his promises. (4) Holiness—God is holy and unchanging, and he demands the sanctity of his followers. (5) Uniqueness and Exclusivity—God is singular and will not endure the worship of other forms of deity.

1. Victory Followed by Venom

Numbers 21:1-3

You could start by illustrating the Israelites' initial victory as a testament to God's provision and protection, which can be paralleled to moments in our lives when we experience God's blessings. This sets the stage for understanding how quickly we forget these blessings and turn to complaints and disobedience, much like the Israelites.

*Celebrate God’s victory and the fact that he answered your prayerr

2. Gratitude Grumbles, God's Grace

Numbers 21:4-6

Perhaps explore the theme of ingratitude and its consequences, drawing a parallel between the Israelites' grumbling and our own moments of dissatisfaction. This point can serve to remind the congregation of the seriousness of ingratitude towards God's provisions, urging them to reflect on moments of undeserved grace in their own lives.

*The snakes comes as judgment against Israel’s doubt….

3. Look and Live

Numbers 21:7-9

Maybe conclude by focusing on the bronze serpent as a symbol of Christ's crucifixion, emphasizing that just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, we are offered healing and salvation when we look to Christ. This point can serve as an encouragement to always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, especially in times of trial and weakness.

*God used his instrument of judgment to save those he punished…..

I thought number one would surely be me I thought I could be what I wanted to be I thought I could build on life's sinking sand But now I can't even walk without you holding my hand

I thought I could do a lot on my own I thought I could make it all day long I thought of myself as a mighty big man But Lord I can't even walk without you holding my hand

Oh Lord, I can't even walk without you holding my hand The mountains too high and the valleys too wide Down on my knees that's where I learned to stand Oh Lord, I can't even walk without you holding my hand

I think I'll make Jesus my all and all And if I'm in trouble on his name I'll call If I didn't trust him I'd be less of a man 'Cause Lord I can't even walk without you holding my hand

Oh Lord, I can't even walk without you holding my hand The mountains too high and the valleys too wide Down on my knees that's where I learned to stand 'Cause Lord I can't even walk without you holding my hand Oh Lord, I can't even walk without you holding my hand