1.1 The Agony of Sin

John 3:14-15
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:…

What a moment of agony and terror it must have been as all around unfortunate victims were being attacked with these messengers of death. Young and old, rich and poor; for with them there was no respect of persons. On all sides you might see the Israelites writhing in mortal pains. You might hear the mother’s agonized screams as the poisonous reptile fastened its fangs in her darling’s breast. See that strong man tottering along; he has just been bitten. A moment ago he was in full health and strength, but now the deadly venom is flowing through his veins, and he is a dead man already. In this terrible emergency the people cried unto God, and Moses was instructed to make a serpent of brass and set it on a pole, and whosoever looked on this should live.

(W. M. H. Aitken.)