Week Three

The Bronze Serpent

In week three we use the story of the bronze serpent to explore the impact that the crucifixion of Jesus has had on the lives of so many people down through the generations. Why is it that people are drawn to the cross of Christ? We suggest that it is because the cross lifts Jesus high above all humanity. His selfless act of sacrifice has changed the lives of individuals down through the generations.

In our study this week we look at the key verses in the book of Numbers and how God delivers his people from his judgement (Numbers 21: 4-9 ). We look at how Jesus associates himself with being ‘lifted up’ (John 3: 13-17). Secondly, we take a look at the experience of those who saw him lifted high, the centurion and the criminal being crucified alongside him (Matt 27: 50-54 and Luke 23: 39-43). Then we reflect on the reality of all that Jesus’s death and resurrection has accomplished for all people (2 Corinthians: 5:17).

SEEDS TO SOW:

WHAT DOES THE WORD ‘DELIVERANCE’ MEAN TO YOU? *

Read Numbers 21: 4-9

What do you think is going on in this story? Why did Jesus use it to talk about his impending crucifixion?

Read Luke 23: 39-43 and Matthew 27: 50-54

What is it about the cross that attracts or repels you?

Read 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21

What is it that becomes ‘new’ for the person who is ‘in Christ’?

* SEEDS TO SOW: These are open-ended and optional prompts and are designed for people wanting to develop their own resources in response to the themes. Perhaps if you are using this material as a group you could use these prompts to inspire a time of prayer, or drawing, or creative writing? They are a short and sweet, simply a starting off place for you and your imagination. Tailor and develop as suits your group.