What does the Bible say about being lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness?

In John 3:14, Jesus draws a parallel between His crucifixion and the incident in Numbers 21, where Moses lifted up a serpent in the wilderness to save the Israelites from death. Just as those who looked at the serpent were healed, so must the Son of Man be lifted up to provide eternal life to those who believe in Him. This act was not arbitrary; it fulfilled God's sovereign plan and necessity for justice, as sin requires punishment, and Christ's death addresses this through substitutionary atonement. Therefore, the lifting up of Christ illustrated God's love and provision for salvation through His own sacrifice, ensuring that all who look to Him in faith will be saved.