S4: Week 16 Day 4: Connecting Numbers 21:4-9 & John 3:14-16

Summary

Podcast Summary: A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace

Episode: Season 4, Week 16 Day 4
Title: Connecting Numbers 21:4-9 & John 3:14-16
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Hosts: Beth and Alexa
Podcast Series: Christ in All of Scripture Reading Plan

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Introduction

In this episode of A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace, hosts Beth and Alexa delve into the profound connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament, specifically focusing on Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-16. This session underscores the overarching theme of Christ's presence throughout the entire Biblical narrative, emphasizing how Old Testament events prefigure and foreshadow Jesus's life and sacrifice.

Main Discussion

Connecting Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-16

Beth initiates the discussion by highlighting the week's focus: "We are going to be making the Christ connection today between the two passages we've been studying this week, Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-16." This sets the stage for a deep exploration of typology and prophetic fulfillment.

Symbolism and Typology

Alexa shares her personal reflection, stating, "I knew that we read in the New Testament somewhere about how the bronze snake pole is meant to point to Christ, but I just couldn't remember where it was that said that" (01:51). This realization came as they studied John 3:14-16, where Jesus explicitly references the bronze snake, drawing a direct parallel between Moses's actions and His impending crucifixion.

Beth echoes this sentiment: "I was thinking the same thing about just how common this verse is and how the context is really cool and helpful" (02:28). Together, they unravel how Numbers 21:4-9, which narrates the Israelites' punishment and subsequent healing through the bronze snake, serves as a typological foreshadowing of Christ's crucifixion and the salvation it brings.

Theological Implications

Alexa elaborates on the significance of Jesus's sacrifice: "In John 3:14, Jesus says that just as Moses lifted up the bronze snake in the wilderness, so will he be lifted up" (02:37). This lifting up refers to Jesus being crucified, drawing a parallel to the Israelites looking upon the bronze snake for healing. She emphasizes that Jesus's death was a deliberate act to provide salvation, rendering believers free from fear of punishment for their sins.

Beth adds depth to this understanding by connecting it to God's just punishment: "It is so helpful to note that the snakes were God's just punishment for Israel's rebellion, just like death is a just punishment for all of our sin" (03:43). This comparison underscores the righteousness of both God's judgments and His redemptive plans through Christ.

Resurrection and Ascension

Furthering the discussion, Alexa points out the victory inherent in Jesus's sacrifice: "Jesus was lifted up on a cross and he died on the cross, but he didn't stay dead. He rose from the grave and went on to ascend to the right hand of the Father" (04:10). This resurrection and ascension affirm Christ's divinity and His ongoing reign, providing believers with assurance of their salvation and His active role in their lives.

Assurance of Salvation

The hosts highlight the transformative power of faith in Jesus: "And when we come to him and place our faith in him, we receive that restoration as well as the gift of eternal life" (04:50). This assurance is contrasted with the insecurities of human sinfulness, offering a steadfast foundation for believers.

Conclusion

Beth wraps up the episode by reflecting on the divine foresight evident in the Scriptures: "All those years ago when Moses and the Israelites were wandering in the desert, God knew that Jesus was how he would save the world. And he pointed forward to that even all the way back then with those people who lived so long before Jesus" (05:06). This revelation reinforces the cohesiveness of the Bible and the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan.

She also previews the next episode: "We are going to be talking about application and what these passages mean for our everyday lives tomorrow" (05:06), encouraging listeners to stay engaged in their spiritual journey.

Resources and Further Study

Alexa reminds listeners to explore additional materials: "Be sure to check out our show notes for some helpful links and resources related to today's episode. And make sure you're following the Daily Grace Podcast and the Daily Grace Co on Instagram for more Bible study resources and encouragement" (05:37). These resources are designed to aid believers in deepening their understanding and love for God's Word.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Alexa (01:51): "I knew that we read in the New Testament somewhere about how the bronze snake pole is meant to point to Christ, but I just couldn't remember where it was that said that."

• Beth (02:28): "I was thinking the same thing about just how common this verse is and how the context is really cool and helpful."

• Alexa (02:37): "In John 3:14, Jesus says that just as Moses lifted up the bronze snake in the wilderness, so will he be lifted up."

• Beth (03:43): "It is so helpful to note that the snakes were God's just punishment for Israel's rebellion, just like death is a just punishment for all of our sin."

• Alexa (04:10): "Jesus was lifted up on a cross and he died on the cross, but he didn't stay dead. He rose from the grave and went on to ascend to the right hand of the Father."

• Alexa (04:50): "And when we come to him and place our faith in him, we receive that restoration as well as the gift of eternal life."

• Beth (05:06): "All those years ago when Moses and the Israelites were wandering in the desert, God knew that Jesus was how he would save the world."

Final Thoughts

This episode elegantly demonstrates the intricate tapestry of the Bible, where Old Testament events and symbols seamlessly intertwine with New Testament revelations to present a unified message of redemption through Christ. Beth and Alexa provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of scripture's continuity and its unchanging focus on Jesus as the central figure of salvation.

For those seeking to enhance their Bible study experience, A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace offers structured insights and connections that enrich understanding and foster a closer relationship with God.

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Note: This summary intentionally omits the advertisement segments present in the transcript to maintain focus on the episode's meaningful content.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker 1]

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[Beth]

Year in the Bible With Daily Grace. This year we want to spend a few minutes with you every day walking through our study Christ and all of Scripture. Each week we will dive deeply into two passages of scripture, one from the Old Testament and one from the New, seeing how they connect and point to Jesus.

[Alexa]

Whether you are doing the study yourself or just following along with us here are hopeful that through studying these passages each week, you will see how Christ is not only present throughout the entire Biblical story, but the center of it.

[Beth]

Hi everyone, welcome back to A Year in the Bible. My name is Beth and I'm here with my co host Alexa. Hey friends, we are going to be making the Christ connection today between the two passages we've been studying this week, numbers 21, 4, 9 and John 3, 14, 16. So Alexa, why don't you start our discussion on that?

[Alexa]

Yeah, you know it's funny, on Monday when I was annotating the passage, I knew that we read in the New Testament somewhere about how the bronze snake pole is meant to point to Christ, but I just couldn't remember where it was that said that. So when we read John 3, 14, 16 yesterday, I was like, oh yeah, I totally forgot that Jesus is the one who talks about this in John 3. And you know, John 3:16 is such a popular passage and it's often quoted in isolation from the rest of the verses around it, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But it is really fascinating. When we read John 3, 14, 16 altogether for sure.

[Beth]

I was thinking the same thing about just how common this verse is and how the context is really cool and helpful. So what do we learn as we read these verses?

[Alexa]

Yeah, when reading all of John 3, 14, 16, we get a more complete picture of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. In John 3:14, Jesus says that just as Moses lifted up the bronze snake in the wilderness, so will he be lifted up. And so he's referring to being lifted up on the cross. Jesus says this in John 3, with much of his ministry left to go, but he knows that in time he is going to be both nailed and raised up on a cross, sacrificing himself so that we could be saved. And I love how both verse 15 and 16 repeat the same idea, that it's because God sent Jesus and because Jesus is going to die on the cross, that those who believe in him will be rescued from death and have eternal life. And what's amazing about Jesus's sacrifice is that because of him, we don't have to fear punishment for our sin. Going Back to numbers 21, it was because the people grumbled against God that God punished them. But if we are in Christ, we have been forgiven, no matter what we've done. And even though we will mess up in our obedience to God again, our salvation rests secure and there is no condemnation for our sin.

[Beth]

Yeah, I love that it is so helpful to note that the snakes were God's just punishment for Israel's rebellion, just like death is a just punishment for all of our sin.

[Alexa]

Yeah, exactly. And I think it's really fascinating that if we go back to the Numbers 21 passage, the bronze snake pole itself didn't have the power to heal the people. It was God who healed the people, and he used that snake pole as a way for the people to receive his healing. And fast forward to Jesus on the cross. The cross itself didn't have the power to bring about salvation. It was the one who was nailed to the cross who brought about that salvation. And once again, it's God working through the sacrifice of His Son who makes it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life. I also think it's important to mention what the slide also says about Jesus being lifted up and that he was exalted after his death. So Jesus was lifted up on a cross and he died on the cross, but he didn't stay dead. He rose from the grave and went on to ascend to the right hand of the Father. And so we place our faith in our Savior, who was alive, who did accomplish what was necessary on the cross for our salvation. And who was currently ruling and reigning. And just as God was the only one who could heal the Israelites in Numbers 21, so is Jesus the only one who can heal us from the brokenness of our sin. And when we come to him and place our faith in him, we receive that restoration as well as the gift of eternal life.

[Beth]

So, so good. I also love thinking about how all those years ago when Moses and the Israelites were wandering in the desert, God knew that Jesus was how he would save the world. And he pointed forward to that even all the way back then with those people who lived so long before Jesus. Well, that is all that we have today. We are going to be talking about application and what these passages mean for our everyday lives tomorrow, so you won't want to miss that and we will see you then.

[Alexa]

Thank you for listening to today's episode of A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace. Be sure to check out our show notes for some helpful links and resources related to today's episode. And make sure you're following aalygrace Podcast and hedaily Grace Co on Instagram for more Bible study resources and encouragement. We're looking forward to studying God's Word with you again tomorrow. Bye friends.

[Unknown Speaker 1]

It's true that some things change as we get older. But if you're a woman over 40 and you're dealing with insomnia, brain fog, moodiness and weight gain, you don't have to accept it as just another part of aging. And with MITI health, you can get help and stop pushing through it alone. The experts at MITI understand that all these symptoms can be connected to the hormonal changes that happen around menopause. And MITI can help you feel more like yourself again. Many healthcare providers aren't trained to treat or even recognize menopause symptoms. MIDI clinicians are menopause experts. They're dedicated to providing safe, effective, FDA approved solutions for dozens of hormonal symptoms, not just hot flashes. Most importantly, they're covered by insurance. 91% of MITI patients get relief from symptoms within just two months. You deserve to feel great. Book your virtual Visit [e-mail] that's joinmidi.com.