“I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:12-15)
What’s the point of Jesus’ one-sided conversation with the bewildered Nicodemus? It’s all about who gets into heaven, who gets to be with God. The path is spiritual rebirth, but the destination is a very real place. Jesus had been there and was going back.
Nicodemus would have heard (and probably taught) often of the story from Numbers 21:4-9. God sent poisonous snakes among the people as a punishment for their sin of speaking against him. To save them, God had Moses lift up a bronze snake on a pole. Those who looked at it lived.
What a beautiful prediction hides in Jesus words. He—the man from heaven, the Son of Man—would be lifted up on the cross. Those who look to him in faith will be given the gift of heaven, eternal life with God.
Think: How great would it be to meet someone who had actually been to heaven and could tell us all about it? Do you think of Jesus in that way?
Pray: Thank God for the clear words of Jesus that everyone who believes in him will live forever. If you’re a Christian, thank God for your home in heaven with him.
Do: If you haven’t yet, read Numbers 21:4-9.