Lesson 2638

(Lesson 2638)(03-14-19) John 3:9-15   
    “Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

   In the first part of this quote, Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for not understanding that perfect righteousness and forgiveness of all sin could only come from God; and could only be accomplished by accepting the Spiritual rebirth that comes through faith in God’s only begotten Son. Jesus Himself being the one-size-fits-all supreme sacrifice for sin.
    In the last part of the quote, Jesus said; “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up”. Jesus was referring to Himself while telling Nicodemus that He would soon be raised up just as Moses raised the serpent; and that those who would look upon Him for salvation would be saved from sin just as those who looked upon the serpent in Moses’ day would be saved from the bite of the snakes during the plague of snakes.~