Expert: Quentin Parker - 12/27/2009

Question
Thank you for your ministry. When I first read about the bronze snake in Numbers, I wondered why would God tell the people to look to the snake to be healed instead telling them to seek his forgiveness and healing. God is all knowing, why would He set the people up to sin? Then in 2 Kings,the people have begun worshiping the snake, offering incense to it.  The new king doing what was right in the Lord's eye,broke the bronze snake in pieces.  Then this morning, I read in John 3:14, Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. Which leads to another question, are we to worship Jesus as our savoir or keep our eyes on God alone? Is it a sin to put the Son before the Father?  I am not trying to be impertinent but am honestly seeking clarification. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Patty,

Thank-you for your question.

God never commands His people to sin. In Numbers 21:4-9, God wasn’t commanding the Israelites to worship the snake, which would have been sin; rather, He commanded them to look upon the snake to be healed. The act of looking upon the snake was simply an act of obedience to God. It was a test of obedience and belief through which God demonstrated His forgiveness and healing. At the same time, it  was a type or shadow looking forward to the redemption of Christ where people must look to Christ to receive healing and forgiveness.  (John 3:14-16)

When the Israelites began to worship the snake (II Kings 18:4) God punished them for their unfaithfulness and sin.

As to your second question: it’s never a sin to put the Son before the Father. Such a thing isn’t possible, in fact. The Son and the Father are one; both of them are God.  As Christ said in John 10:30 “I and My Father are one.”

Here are a few more verses regarding the deity of Christ:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  -John 1:

 "For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."                 -Colossians 2:9

Thanks again for your question. I hope this is helpful.

God bless!
-Quentin Parker