Why is Christ symbolized as the serpent lifted up?

The symbolism of Christ as the serpent lifted up comes from the narrative in Numbers 21, where the Israelites, after being bitten by fiery serpents, were commanded to look at a bronze serpent to live. This act foreshadows Jesus Christ being lifted up on the cross for our sins. As Jesus states in John 3:14-15, 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.' Just as the Israelites had to look to the serpent to be saved from death, sinners today must look to Christ to receive eternal life and salvation from sin, emphasizing His role as our Redeemer.