SESSION 2
The Bronze Serpent
Summary and Goal
During their time of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites became ungrateful and impatient.
As a consequence, God sent poisonous snakes into their camp. In response to their pleas for mercy,
God commanded Moses to lift a bronze serpent on a staff. Whenever someone looked at the serpent,
they were healed. Jesus later claimed this story pointed forward to His being lifted high on the
cross. By trusting in His identification with sinners, we are given eternal life and are called to be
His ambassadors.
Main Passages
Numbers 21:4-9
John 3:14-15
2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Session Outline
1. The bronze serpent points to punishment for sin (Num. 21:4-9).
2. The bronze serpent points to Christ’s rescue from sin (John 3:14-15).
3. The bronze serpent points to the foundation for mission (2 Cor. 5:20-21).
Theological Theme
Christ became sin to conquer sin.
Christ Connection
Just as the Israelites looked upon the bronze serpent lifted high on the pole and were healed, so also
we look with faith upon Jesus Christ lifted high on the cross and are saved from the punishment of
our sin.
Missional Application
Because Christ has become sin for us, God calls us to plead with others to look upon the cross and
receive spiritual healing.
Date of My Bible Study: ______________________
© 2015 LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute within the license agreement with purchaser.
19
Session Plan
The Bronze
Serpent
Session 2
Introduction
Begin by noting the human tendency to collect trinkets. If helpful, use the
writer’s examples of a worry stone, a rabbit’s foot, and a four-leaf clover.
(Perhaps you have such items and could pass them around, or similar such
trinkets.) Then point out that as Christians, we believe in God’s sovereignty
and providence rather than in “luck” (leader p. 22; personal study guide
[PSG] p. 19).
What are some items or activities people turn to
for comfort?
Recap the previous session on the Israelites’ refusal to enter the promised land
and God’s condemnation of them (leader p. 22). Then summarize this session
on the bronze serpent (leader p. 22; PSG p. 20).
1. T
he bronze serpent points to punishment for
sin (Num. 21:4-9).
For Further
Discussion
What are some of
the overwhelming
circumstances that you
have allowed to guide you
in your past?
How have these
circumstances caused you
to demonstrate unbelief?
Point out that this story takes place in the 40th year of wilderness wandering,
and the Israelites have been provided with everything they needed by God
(leader p. 23). Read Numbers 21:4-9. Explain how the people’s rebellion in
this instance shows up in a very simple word: impatient (leader pp. 23-24;
PSG pp. 20-21).
When have you allowed impatience with God’s work in your
life to cause you to grumble about what He has done?
What are some gifts we quickly take for granted?
Emphasize that the Israelites’ breaking their trust of God was a serious
offense. While God was quick to act against this behavior, He nevertheless
provided a way of restoration (leader pp. 24-25; PSG p. 21).
What is the significance of God’s command to the people
to gaze at the snake?
What truths were the people to consider?
20
Leader Guide
• Spring 2016
2. T
he bronze serpent points to Christ’s rescue
from sin (John 3:14-15).
Note that Jesus Himself referenced the story of the bronze serpent, using it to
explain how the Son of Man must be lifted up. Read John 3:14-15. Talk about
how the original story of the bronze serpent pointed to Jesus’ work and what
the phrase “lifted up” means in this passage (leader p. 25; PSG pp. 22-23).
When you think about Jesus being lifted up on the cross, do
you think of this primarily as humiliation or exaltation? Why?
How can it be both humiliation and exaltation at once?
Use Hezekiah’s experience with the bronze snake in 2 Kings 18 to highlight
our tendency to look to idols, not to the Savior. Further comment on
the eternal life Jesus provides to everyone who believes (leader pp. 26-27;
PSG pp. 23-24).
What sinful behavior might cause you to question God’s
wisdom in giving eternal life to “everyone” who believes
in Jesus?
How can we fight against this tendency toward favoritism?
3. The bronze serpent points to the foundation
for mission (2 Cor. 5:20-21).
Ask a volunteer to read 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. Describe the role of an
ambassador and how Christians are called to this work on behalf of God’s
kingdom (leader p. 28; PSG p. 25). Consider enlisting a volunteer prior to the
meeting to research and report on the qualifications and role of an ambassador.
Point 2 Option
Have your group members
make a list on a piece of
paper of things they have
substituted in the place
of Christ in their lives.
Encourage them to pray
for wisdom and strength
to destroy the idols that
might rise up in their lives.
(You might provide an
opportunity for groups of
2-3 to discuss what they
have written for the sake
of accountability, and
encourage the small groups
to pray for one another.)
Then have group members
tear up their lists and throw
them away. Conclude this
option with prayer that we
would destroy our idols and
choose to look to Christ.
For Further
Discussion
How does understanding
the character of God
give us more power
as ambassadors for Christ?
What is the relationship between Christ’s becoming sin
for us (v. 21) and our mission to plead with others to be
reconciled to God (v. 20)?
Explain how 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us about the exchange made on the
cross—Jesus exchanged His goodness for our wretchedness, and by our faith
in Him, we exchange our sin for His righteousness (leader p. 29; PSG p. 26).
What does Christ’s becoming sin for us communicate
about God’s character and love?
Christ Connection: Just as
the Israelites looked upon
the bronze serpent lifted
high on the pole and were
healed, so also we look
with faith upon Jesus Christ
lifted high on the cross
and are saved from the
punishment of our sin.
........................................................
Conclusion
Emphasize that Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrated a deep love for us, and
this love compels us to proclaim that He has done everything necessary for
sinners to be cleansed (leader p. 29; PSG p. 26). Apply the truths of this session
with “His Mission, Your Mission” (PSG p. 27).
Missional Application:
Because Christ has become
sin for us, God calls us to
plead with others to look
upon the cross and receive
spiritual healing.
Session 2
21
Expanded Session Content
The Bronze
Serpent
Session 2
Introduction
Voices from
the Church
“We know that Jesus
read the Old Testament
believing that it was all
pointing to him. There
were pointers and types
and foreshadowings
everywhere. But we might
expect him to skip this one.
It is shocking to compare
the Son of Man to a snake.
But Jesus doesn’t skip
this one. He goes out of
his way to choose it to
help Nicodemus.” 1
–John Piper
At some point during my childhood, I was given a worry stone. I don’t
quite remember who gave it to me or why. But there it was in my junk
drawer. It was a green, flat, teardrop-shaped stone that fit in the palm of
my hand. In the center of its shape was an indention where the holder of
the stone could rub his thumb against it. I didn’t carry it often. But I do
remember the sensation of moving my thumb back and forth across its
smooth surface when I was nervous. It was the closest thing I had to a
rabbit’s foot or a four-leaf clover.
Throughout history, humans have demonstrated a tendency to collect
trinkets we think will bring about good in our lives. It is the inherent
need we have to stave off bad circumstances. We know that life is not
in our control, and we hope to find a way to convince the powers of the
universe to be kind to us. As Christians, we don’t believe in “luck,” but we
do believe in God’s providence. By His power, He declares what is right,
judges what is sin, and draws the rebellious back under His sovereignty.
This was a lesson the Israelites needed often—as do we.
What are some items or activities people turn to
for comfort?
Session Summary
In the previous session, we saw how, after refusing the opportunity to
enter the promised land because of a discouraging report brought by some
Israelite spies, God’s people had been condemned to wander for 40 years.
In this session, we see how during their time of wandering, the
Israelites became ungrateful and impatient. As a consequence, God sent
poisonous snakes into their camp. In response to their pleas for mercy,
God commanded Moses to lift a bronze serpent on a staff. Whenever
someone looked at the serpent, they were healed. Jesus later claimed this
story pointed forward to His being lifted high on the cross. By trusting in
His identification with sinners, we are given eternal life and are called to
be His ambassadors.
22
Leader Guide
• Spring 2016
1. The bronze serpent points to punishment for
sin (Num. 21:4-9).
The Israelite people had slavery behind them. But due to their
unbelieving hearts, they had hardship before them. It was God’s heart for
them to enter into the land that flowed with milk and honey. But the
Israelites were more likely to believe in the overwhelming circumstances of
the moment rather than in the sovereign God who guided them. We saw
this play out in the last session when the people believed in the giants in
the promised land rather than the God who promised the land.
In the next scene we will explore, the Israelites are traveling toward the
promised land in their 40th year of wandering. On the way, they have been
provided with everything they needed. Yet we will see how they spurned
the Lord’s provisions and affections by grumbling.
From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go
around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way.
5
And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you
brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food
and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” 6 Then the Lord sent
fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many
people of Israel died. 7 And the people came to Moses and said, “We have
sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the
Lord, that he take away the
serpents from us.” So Moses
prayed for the people. 8 And
the Lord said to Moses, “Make
a fiery serpent and set it on
a pole, and everyone who is
bitten, when he sees it, shall
live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze
serpent and set it on a pole.
And if a serpent bit anyone,
he would look at the bronze
serpent and live.
4
The people’s rebellion in this instance shows up in a very simple word:
impatient. One commentator notes that the Hebrew phrase literally means
“the soul [or temper] of the people became short.” 2 The group of people
who had been miraculously delivered, fed, and clothed by God now
turned on Him. In essence, they threw a preschooler-like fit before God
because they didn’t like the food He provided.
Further
Commentary
“The noun in Numbers 21:6
translated ‘snakes’
(Hebrew, nahash) is
found as far back as
Genesis 3, referring to the
creature Satan used in the
temptation of Adam and
Eve. The term translated
‘poisonous’ (Hebrew,
saraph) is related to the
word for ‘burning.’ The
reference is likely to the
burning sensation at the
site of the snakebite with
the injection of venom,
although some Bible
scholars believe the
reference is to the reddish
color of the snakes. In
Isaiah 6, seraphs were the
fiery heavenly creatures
surrounding God’s
holy throne.” 3
–Ken Easley
Voices from
Church History
“[The serpent] saved those
that looked upon it, not
because they believed
it to live but because it
was killed, and killed with
it were the powers that
were subject to it, being
destroyed as it deserved.
And what is the fitting
epitaph for us?…You are
overthrown by the cross.
You are slain by him who is
the giver of life.” 4
–Gregory of Nazianzus
(circa 325-389)
Session 2
23
Further
Commentary
“This incident looks back
on two biblical narratives
involving serpents. In Eden,
God promised Satan (who
had taken on the serpent’s
form) that he would one
day be defeated (Gen. 3:15).
The snake image lifted high
by Moses was a reminder
of this promise. Also,
when Moses and Aaron
confronted Pharaoh’s
priests, Aaron’s staff
(turned into a serpent)
devoured the priests’ staffserpents, a foretaste of
the ultimate defeat of all
false religion (Ex. 7:8-13).
Unfortunately, however,
things God uses for good
can become misused.
The bronze snake image
survived and became an
object of worship. Perhaps
the people superstitiously
thought it had magical
properties. Centuries
later, during the time of
King Hezekiah, the thing
was finally destroyed
(2 Kings 18:4).” 5
–Ken Easley
Voices from
Church History
“[God] promises that he
would deliver from the
bites of the serpent…
all those who believe in
him who was to be put to
death by this sign, namely,
the cross.” 6
–Justin Martyr
(circa 100-165)
24
Leader Guide
The people went far beyond doubt. They accused God and Moses of
treachery. They imagined God had intentionally led them out of Egypt
for the express purpose of killing them in the desert. It was a rebellion of
epic proportions. By stating such a claim, the people showed they doubted
God’s character and His word.
There in the wilderness the people were replaying Adam and Eve’s sin
in the garden. Eve gave in to the temptation to doubt God’s truthfulness.
Furthermore, she doubted that the Lord had her best interests in mind.
The Israelites put themselves in the same position. Their impatience
revealed a lack of trust in God’s goodness.
When have you allowed impatience with God’s work in your
life to cause you to grumble about what He has done?
What are some gifts we quickly take for granted?
In response to their rebellion, God acted quickly. He punished them.
It was the type of punishment that would strike fear into the heart of any
person. Suddenly, poisonous snakes were in the camp. Biting. Infecting.
Killing. The break in their trust of God was a serious offense. The Lord
did not take it lightly. When they spoke out against their circumstances,
they were speaking directly against God’s character.
Modern-day readers may find it difficult to read about the punishment
delivered against sin, but Scripture is clear: because God is committed to
redeeming and restoring all things, sin must be punished and wiped out.
Events like this remind us of the costly nature of sin. The Israelites had to
once again learn that sin leads to death.
As the rebellious people began to die, they cried to Moses for help. The
man whom they accused of being in league with a God who had deceived
them would once again become their advocate. I wonder what Moses did.
He may have shook his head, rolled his eyes, or simply sat down to weep
over their continuous rebellion. But what we do know is that Moses was
willing to plead the case of the guilty before the Lord.
Once God heard the people’s penitent cry, He provided a way of
restoration through their faith. In an act of divine irony, God instructed
Moses to make a serpent of bronze and place it on a pole. If those bitten by
the snakes on the ground would look to the snake that had been lifted up,
they would be healed.
The word for “would look” in Hebrew does not mean a casual gaze or
a quick glance. Rather, it indicates fixing your gaze upon something or to
look intently. The idea is that the Israelites would have to concentrate their
mind’s attention and heart’s affection.
• Spring 2016
People in the camp listened to the Lord’s word through Moses. As
they suffered from poisonous injuries, they looked to the bronze serpent
suspended in the air on a pole. As they gazed upon it intently, recovery
occurred. Doubtless, it was a mystery to them. It is a mystery to us.
God chose the symbol of their punishment for sin as the instrument of
His mercy.
What is the significance of God’s command to the people
to gaze at the snake?
What truths were the people to consider?
2. The bronze serpent points to Christ’s rescue
from sin (John 3:14-15).
The story of the Israelites’ lack of faith, punishment, and recovery is
not one that stands on its own in biblical history. Jesus Himself referenced
this story. In John 3, we read of Jesus’ nighttime meeting with Nicodemus,
a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews during the Roman Empire’s occupation
of Israel.
Jesus told Nicodemus that a person must be born again in order to
enter the kingdom of God. Nicodemus was perplexed. What does being
“born again” mean? Is it physical? Is it spiritual? What will it mean to a
man who relies on his Jewish heritage? In answer to Nicodemus’ question,
Jesus pointed back through the annals of history to Numbers 21 and
explained how the Son of Man (a reference to Jesus Himself) must be
lifted up just like the bronze serpent.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of
Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
14
Packed into these two verses are several important ideas. First, we see
how the original story is a foreshadowing of what Jesus would accomplish
more than a thousand years later. When Moses lifted up the bronze
serpent for the people to see, he was providing a remedy for all who would
look at it. Now, Jesus is going to be lifted up for a much broader-reaching
recovery. The work done through the bronze serpent was temporary. Jesus’
work would be permanent.
Second, the word that is used in the Greek language for “lifted up” is
not the pedestrian idea of simply holding something up to view. Rather, the
Gospel writer employed a word that meant to exalt something. Not long after
this encounter with Nicodemus, Jesus would be hanging on the cross. While
there, He would fulfill the Old Testament prophecies of the divine Son of
God, who is also fully human, serving as the payment for our sins. Christ
would be exalted before the nations, and all who look to Him can live.
Further
Commentary
“The deepest point of
connection between the
bronze snake and Jesus
was in the act of being
‘lifted up.’ Moses ‘lifted up’
the snake on a pole so that
all who were afflicted in the
camp might look and live.
In the same way, ‘the Son
of Man must be lifted up.’
The Greek verb for ‘lifted
up’ (hypsoo) in its four
occurrences in this Gospel
(cf. 8:28; 12:32,34) always
combines the notions
of being physically lifted
up on the cross, with the
notion of exaltation. This
is a theological adaptation
of the literal (‘to lift up’)
and the figurative (‘to
enhance’) meanings of the
verb. Even Isaiah brings
together the themes of
being lifted up and being
glorified, and this in the
context of the suffering
servant (Isa. 52:13–53:12,
esp. 52:13 LXX).” 7
–D. A. Carson
Session 2
25
When you think about Jesus being lifted up on the cross, do
you think of this primarily as humiliation or exaltation? Why?
Voices from
Church History
“Whoever has been
bitten by the snakes of sin
need only gaze on Christ
and have healing for the
forgiveness of sins.” 8
–Augustine (354-430)
26
Leader Guide
How can it be both humiliation and exaltation at once?
Jesus’ words to Nicodemus emphasized the centrality of His sacrifice.
Unfortunately, the human tendency is to look to idols, not to the Savior.
Several centuries after the Numbers 21 episode, Hezekiah became
king over Israel. He was a righteous king who destroyed the objects of
idolatry in the kingdom. One item was the bronze serpent that Moses
used in the desert. For all these years, the Israelites had kept it. At the time
of Hezekiah taking the throne, “the people of Israel had made offerings to
it” (2 Kings 18:4). The item that God used in one generation as His
instrument of deliverance had become an object of worship in another
generation. The people had forgotten God as the true deliverer and, as we
are common to do, substituted an idol in His place.
Comically though, the name assigned to the bronze snake was not
something like “the Serpent Deliverer” or “Our Savior in the Wilderness.”
Instead, it was the Hebrew word Nehushtan. Sound important? It’s
not. It means…“a bronze thing.” Yes, the people of God, formed by
Him, delivered by Him, and preserved by Him were wasting their time
worshiping something they called in their native language “a bronze
thing.” We might shake our heads at the silliness of the Israelites, but how
often are we guilty of lifting up things other than Christ (“gold and silver
things”) and making them the focus of our attention.
Jesus, as He planned to go to the cross, would not become just one
more “thing” for the history books. His body hanging upon the cross is
not a relic for us to drag around or consider lightly. The bronze serpent
offered temporary recovery. Everyone who was healed from the poison
of the serpents still died eventually. Jesus was interested in a greater goal.
Verse 15 tells us that everyone who believes in Jesus will gain eternal life.
“Whoever” is a powerful word. With it, there are no exceptions. Every
single person who believes in Jesus is included in the promise that follows.
There are no other requirements. Morality, vocation, economics, and
influence hold no importance. Rather, every person who will believe will
be given eternal life. It was probably a shocking thought to Nicodemus.
In the cool of that night, he was confronted with the idea that eternal
life could be granted to the faithful Jewish priest and the pagan Roman
ruler. Jesus was offering salvation to everyone, and that was revolutionary
for Nicodemus.
• Spring 2016
It is likely revolutionary for all of us too. Many believe their sins are
not to a level to exclude them from forgiveness. But that guy down the
road who yells at his kids? Probably not him. Those people on the other
side of town who are so different from “us”? Maybe them, if they’ll
conform to our way of life. The people on the other side of the world? Not
much hope for them. Or so we think. Jesus declared that everyone—
without exception—who believes in Him will be granted eternal life.
There is another perspective that we sometimes hold. It is about
ourselves. We’ve met us. I get up in the morning and look in the mirror.
What I see does not seem redeemable. It is not recoverable. After what
I’ve done, is it possible that Jesus could include me in the “whoever”?
The answer is a resounding yes. No matter your sin, your doubt, or your
pain, God will grant you eternal life if you will look to the exalted Christ
and believe.
When you believe in Jesus, you will gain eternal life. That is the
equation. It does not include a background check to see if you are worthy.
You and I are not. A biblical knowledge quiz is not administered to see
how serious a person has been about church attendance. There are no
litmus tests or additional steps required. Jesus stated that you believe and
He saves. Period. It is a beautifully guaranteed answer to our darkest
problem of sin. When Jesus says that He will do a thing, then He does it.
His nature of righteous integrity assures us that we can trust Him on it.
The last phrase of this statement is that the believer in the exalted Son
of Man will be granted “eternal life.” In His high priestly prayer, Jesus
defined eternal life this way: “And this is eternal life, that they know you
the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
As Christians, we are given an eternal relationship with the God who
provides the payment for sin Himself—Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The
God who wants to save us and be known by us is the One who sent His
willing Son to be hung like a snake upon a pole.
Voices from
the Church
“Jesus became what was
killing us—sin itself—when
he was lifted up on the
cross and thereby became
the remedy for sin.” 9
–Nancy Guthrie
What sinful behavior might cause you to question God’s
wisdom in giving eternal life to “everyone” who believes
in Jesus?
How can we fight against this tendency toward favoritism?
Session 2
27
3. The bronze serpent points to the foundation
for mission (2 Cor. 5:20-21).
Further
Commentary
“[Paul’s] practice was to
tell others to be reconciled
to God. Since Paul had
to appeal to others to
be reconciled, he did not
believe that the work
of Christ automatically
reconciled every human
being to God. Christ’s
saving work on the cross is
sufficient for every human
being, but it is effective
only for those who believe.
As the imperative (be
reconciled, from katallasso)
indicates, those who hear
the gospel are responsible
to believe in Christ in order
to become reconciled
to God.” 10
–Richard L. Pratt Jr.
Further
Commentary
Second Corinthians 5:21
can be understood
better in light of Paul’s
teaching in other places
on “imputation,” that
is, putting something in
someone else’s account.
“Crediting” or “reckoning”
or “accounting” something
to another person is a
biblical concept found as
early as Genesis 15:6 and
Psalm 32:1-3. Romans 4 is
Paul’s fullest development
of the notion. God imputed
sin to Jesus, and He
imputes righteousness
to sinners on the basis
of faith. 11
28
Leader Guide
Having entered into a faith-based relationship with Jesus, we now
receive another great privilege. In Christ, we receive a new identity and a
new role. We point others toward the Christ, and we say, “Look and live!”
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal
through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we
might become the righteousness of God.
20
The apostle Paul wrote to the early church in Corinth to remind them
of this role—ambassador. No longer the ancient Hebrew wanderers in
a desert, they have become ambassadors for the King. It was a job that
citizens of the teeming ancient city of Corinth would have understood
well. Corinth was a coastal city positioned on a major trade route between
Athens and Sparta. The city had emissaries from various political realms
pass through on a regular basis.
An ambassador’s role is straightforward. You represent a powerful
ruler. The ambassador does not speak his own message but that of his
king. He does not act on his own power but acts in the power of the
kingdom where he is a citizen. Christians are called to this same work. We
represent the King of glory, speak His message, and act on behalf of His
kingdom. It is a right, a privilege, and a wonderful blessing.
What is the relationship between Christ’s becoming sin
for us (v. 21) and our mission to plead with others to be
reconciled to God (v. 20)?
As Christ’s ambassadors, our work is to plead with those who are
outside of the kingdom to believe. We allow the Spirit of God to work
through us to persuade the lost to find their hope in Christ. This is the
place where the message of God and the mission of God come alive in the
people of God. Whenever we say, “Be reconciled to God,” to a lost person,
it is an invitation for them to trust in the goodness of the King who has
done all of the reconciling work on their behalf.
• Spring 2016
Paul taught that the One who is completely perfect—our Savior
Jesus—became sin on our behalf. In order to pay for our sin, Jesus allowed
Himself to be overtaken by the weight and judgment of sin. He did this
seemingly impossible work so that you and I can be reconciled to God.
By His work, an exchange is made. Jesus exchanged His goodness for
our wretchedness. By our faith in Him, we exchange our sin for His
righteousness. Neither party deserves what they receive, but we benefit by
God’s great work for us.
Whenever a Christian says to a friend or enemy, “Be reconciled to
God,” it is so much more than what they could imagine. We are inviting
the lost to be found. The dying to be saved. The sinner to be made
righteous by the very character of God.
What does Christ’s becoming sin for us communicate
about God’s character and love?
99 Essential
Christian Doctrines
36. Sin as Transgression
The word transgression
means “to cross over”
or “to pass by” and is
often used in reference
to transgressing God’s
explicit commands. When
God gives a specific
command, as He did
with Adam and Eve in
the garden of Eden, and
when that command is
disobeyed, transgression
has taken place (Rom. 5:14;
1 Tim. 2:14). In this sense,
sin is law-breaking.
Conclusion
Jesus took on the weight of sin so that those of us who are nothing but
sin could take on the glory of righteousness. The work that sin brings in
our lives is a burden that requires God’s eternal punishment. But Jesus has
taken it all for us. His death in our place on the cross shows a love that is
more than mere sentimentality. It is the decision to bear shame, undergo
judgment, and pay all the penalty.
With that thought, we are compelled by the love of Christ to work in
His mission. He has done everything necessary for sinners to be cleansed.
From the worst human being in history to the one we think the most
moral—all need the salvation offered by Christ. As His people, we can
and must declare it, live it, and converse about it at every turn.
CHRIST CONNECTION: Just as the Israelites looked upon the
bronze serpent lifted high on the pole and were healed, so also
we look with faith upon Jesus Christ lifted high on the cross and
are saved from the punishment of our sin.
Session 2
29
Additional Resources
The Bronze Serpent
Get expert insights on weekly studies through Ministry
Grid at MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject.
Grow with other group leaders at the Group Ministry
blog at LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry.
References
1. John Piper, “The Son of Man Must
Be Lifted Up—Like a Serpent,”
Desiring God [online], 5 April 2009
[cited 10 June 2015]. Available from
the Internet: www.desiringgod.org.
2. William Thomas Miller, A
Compact Study of Numbers
(Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock,
2013) [eBook].
3. Kendell Easley, “Look and Live!”
The Gospel Project for Adults
(Spring 2014): 84.
4. Gregory of Nazianzus,
Oration 45.22, quoted in Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy,
ed. Joseph T. Lienhard, vol. III in
Ancient Christian Commentary on
Scripture: Old Testament (Downers
Grove: IVP, 2001), 242.
5. Kendell Easley, “Look and Live!”
The Gospel Project for Adults
(Spring 2014): 83.
6. Justin Martyr, Dialogue with
Trypho, 94, quoted in Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy,
ed. Joseph T. Lienhard, vol. III in
Ancient Christian Commentary on
Scripture: Old Testament (Downers
Grove: IVP, 2001), 242.
7. D. A. Carson, The Gospel
According to John, in The Pillar New
Testament Commentary (Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991), 201.
8. Augustine, Sermon 6.7, quoted
in John 1–10, ed. Joel C. Elowsky,
vol. IVa in Ancient Christian
Commentary on Scripture: New
Testament (Downers Grove: IVP,
2006), 124.
9. Nancy Guthrie, The Lamb of God
(Wheaton: Crossway, 2012), 234.
10. Richard L. Pratt Jr., I & II Corinthians,
vol. 7 in Holman New Testament
Commentary (Nashville: B&H,
2000), 360.
11. See “Impute, Imputation,”
by David S. Dockery, in Holman
Illustrated Bible Dictionary, eds.
Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and
Archie England (Nashville: B&H,
2003), 812.
30
Leader Guide
Study Material
-- “Can a Text Have More Than One Meaning?”—Chapter 15 from
40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Robert L. Plummer
-- “Bronze Serpent”—Article by Albert F. Bean and Karen Joines; find a link
to this article at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources
-- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including “Serpents and Vipers,”
can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at
LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project.
Sermon Podcast
W. A. Criswell: “The Brazen Serpent”
Find a link to this at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources
Tip of the Week
Getting More Discussion
Most of us will not risk looking bad in front of a larger group. We may
have a legitimate question, but it will go unanswered if the risk outweighs
our desire to know. The same is true for the people you lead. The larger
the group, the less likely many will take the risk of asking or commenting.
If you lead a larger group, create small groups when using discussion
questions. This allows for more people to participate and lessens the
perceived risk some may have when it comes to public speaking.
• Spring 2016
About the Writers
Unit 1:
Philip Nation (sessions 1-2) is the content development
The Gospel Project®
Adult Leader Guide ESV
Volume 4, Number 3 Spring 2016
Eric Geiger
Vice President, LifeWay Resources
director for LifeWay and the teaching pastor for The
Fellowship, a multi-campus church in Nashville, Tennessee.
His newest book is Habits for Our Holiness: How the Spiritual
Disciplines Grow Us Up, Draw Us Together, and Send Us Out.
Ed Stetzer
General Editor
Trevin Wax
Managing Editor
Daniel Davis
Content Editor
Josh Hayes
Content and Production Editor
Robert Smith (sessions 3-6) is a professor of Christian
preaching and holds the Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of
Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama.
He is the author of Doctrine That Dances. He is married to
Dr. Wanda Taylor-Smith, and they have four adult children
with one in heaven.
Ken Braddy
Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies
Michael Kelley
Director, Groups Ministry
Send questions/comments to:
Managing Editor,
The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide,
One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102;
or make comments on the Web at
www.lifeway.com.
Printed in the United States of America
The Gospel Project®: Adult Leader Guide ESV
(ISSN 2330-9377; Item 005573550) is published
quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One
LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer,
President. © 2015 LifeWay Christian Resources.
For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com,
or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service,
One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113.
For subscriptions or subscription address changes,
email [email protected], fax (615) 251-5818, or
write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed
quarterly to one address, email [email protected],
fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address.
We believe that the Bible has God for its author;
salvation for its end; and truth, without any
mixture of error, for its matter and that all
Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To
review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit
www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are
taken from the English Standard Version® (The Holy
Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News
Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tanya McAvoy (assisted with unit 1 session plans) serves
in the areas of evangelism and education at Neptune Baptist
Church in Neptune Beach, Florida. She earned her MDiv
from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her
husband, Ryan, have three children.
Unit 2:
Afshin Ziafat resides with his wife, Meredith, and two
daughters in Frisco, Texas, where he is the lead pastor of
Providence Church. He serves on the board of Vertical
Ministries, East-West Ministries International, the 9Marks
Council, and the Leadership Council of the Ethics and
Religious Liberty Commission.
Matt Boswell has been leading worship and writing songs for
the church for over 20 years. A graduate of Southern Seminary,
he serves as the pastor of ministries and worship at Providence
Church in Frisco, Texas. Additionally, he is the president of
Doxology & Theology. He is married to Jamie, and they have
four small children.
Unit 3:
Steven Smith is the vice president for Student Services and
Communications and professor of preaching at Southwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Dying to
Preach: Embracing the Cross in the Pulpit and Recapturing the
Voice of God: Shaping Sermons Like Scripture. He is married to
Ashley, and they have three children.
WRITERS