September 21, 2008: The Bronze Serpent
The text for this lesson is Numbers 21:4–9.
Key Points:
- As the bronze serpent was lifted up to heal and save the Israelites from the snakes, so Christ was lifted up on the cross to heal and save us from sin, death, and the devil.
- Law: I have been bitten and poisoned by sin and death and foolishly complain when life is not what I want or expect.
- Gospel: God calls me to repentance and points me to Christ, who heals me by His death and resurrection.
- Catechism: 2nd Article of the Creed
Additional Show Notes:
- The story of the bronze serpent is told within the context of salvation history.
- 40 years have passed since the Israelites first attempted to enter the Promised Land. That generation has died, and their children are nearly ready to make that land their own. (cf. Numbers 21:1–5 and Deuteronomy 2:1–5) Why are the Israelites upset?
- In Numbers 21:5, the Israelites call the manna they have been eating for 40 years “worthless”. Why is this more serious than just complaining?
- Connect Numbers 12:6 to the account of the fall into sin in Genesis 3. What would the Israelites have thought about immediately when they saw the serpents?
- What is the people’s prayer? Does God answer it with a “yes”? Why would God answer their prayer the way He does?
- Read John 3:14–15. What prophetic message does God send by healing the Israelites through a serpent lifted up on a pole?
- Now look at John 3:16. Does the Israelites’ encounter with the serpents highlight any specific aspect of verse 16?
- What attitudes lured the Israelites into sin? Do these same attitudes tempt us? Read 1 Corinthians 10:6–13. How does the Lord help us stand against these temptations?
- The Israelites looked to a bronze serpent on a pole and found healing. Where do we look to find the healing that God provides?
Thank you for joining us this week and listening to our podcast. Next week, we’ll be talking about Joshua and the Israelites entering the Promised Land as found in Joshua 3–5. Please join us next Monday!
Additional CPH Resources
|
|
Arch Books: Moses and the Bronze Snake (59-2219)
This book retells the story of the visitation of the serpents among the people of Israel in the wilderness. (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-16). The Arch® Book series tells popular Bible stories through fun-to-read rhymes and bright illustrations. This well-loved series captures the attention of children, telling scripturally sound stories that are enjoyable and easy to remember. |
|
|
The Bronze Serpent Poster, 14″x18″ (88-5484)
With careful attention to detail and color, this classic art print offers the vitality of the original paintings in an inexpensive format. This quality print faithfully reproduces images Christians have come to love. Each comes housed in a protective mailing tube, ready to frame. The 14″ x 18″ size makes it the right fit for any room. Also available in the Fall 3 Bible Poster Set (44-1271). |
|
|
People’s Bible Commentary: Numbers (12-8205)
Christ-centered Bible truths unfold as you read this complete series of commentaries designed for spiritual growth and reading enjoyment. These trustworthy commentaries help you comprehend what you’ve read in Scripture as well as apply it to your life.
|
 |
God’s Word for Today: Numbers (20-3708)
In this book, we see how God leads His people through the wilderness to their promised destination. He does this out of pure grace and in spite of their disobedience. God calls His people to trust in His gracious promises and to rely on Him solely by faith. Through their testing and trials, God draws them to look upon Him and live. In Numbers we will see:
Also available in a downloadable format (20-3709). |
 |
Treasury of Daily Prayer (12-4318)
Cultivate an enriching devotional life with a book that nourishes your time with God. This comprehensive Lutheran resource brings together Scripture readings, prayers, psalms, hymns, and devotional readings from the church fathers to guide daily prayer and meditation on God’s Word. Organized around the Christian Church Year, Treasury of Daily Prayer is designed to be an all-in-one resource for daily devotions for individuals, families, and small groups. The regular edition has a durable sewn binding and includes a FREE 6-ribbon bookmark to help organize your daily prayer and devotion. The deluxe edition (12-4319) has a durable sewn binding, bonded leather cover, gilded edges, and a FREE 6-ribbon bookmark to help organize your daily prayer and devotion. |
