John 3:13-17 (NRSV)
Read John 3:13-17 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. Verse 14And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, Verse 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. Verse 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Verse 17"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Devotion
At the Minnesota State Fair, the running joke is that you can buy almost anything “on a stick”. That may be true when it comes to corn dogs, caramel apples, pork chops and deep-fried walleye, but what about more important things like health and salvation? Moses’ “serpent on a stick” seems like a primitive form of magic, but at least it got the Israelites to look “up,” so they might turn to God and be saved.
Speaking of a more substantial “stick,” Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32) Jesus was raised high upon a cross so that all people might see the depth of God’s love. Today (Sunday) is the perfect day to “lift up Jesus” in our worship, so others might see and be saved.
Prayer
Holy God, we want to see Jesus lifted up, in our worship, in our community, and in the world, so all people might look to him and be saved. Amen.