Father Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm.
The message of the Christian faith culminates in the Cross of Jesus Christ. It is a paradox—a symbol of brutal execution that God transformed into the wellspring of eternal life and the throne of glory. As seen in the chapters from Numbers, Philippians, and John, this important truth is exquisitely foreshadowed in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New.
1. A Symbol of Death Becomes a Source of Life (Numbers 21:4-9)
The journey of the Israelites in the desert mirrors our spiritual journey. Their impatience and rebellion against God (sin) resulted in a deadly consequence: an invasion of venomous snakes. The punishment came directly from their sin, and they were utterly powerless to save themselves. In their desperation, they cried out for mercy. God's response was unexpected. He instructed Moses to lift up a bronze snake on a pole. Those who were bitten could look upon this elevated symbol and live.
The prefiguration in John 3:14 depicts a powerful act of faith where God provides salvation through a lifted-up symbol, the snake on a pole. This act of faith requires us to believe in God's word and look upon our judgment to be healed. Jesus emphasized that this event directly points to Him. The Cross represents our sin being placed on Christ and defeated.
2. The Humility and Obedience of the Cross (Philippians 2:6-11)
The Book of Numbers and Philippians detail Christ's journey from glory to humility, where He emptied Himself, became a servant, and was obedient to death, even on a cross. This act of humble obedience, embracing human sin and suffering, led to God exalting Him to the highest place. The journey to glory was paved with the humiliation of the Cross, highlighting the profound humility and obedience of Jesus.
3. God's Love Revealed for Salvation (John 3:13-17)
Jesus, in his conversation with Nicodemus, reveals that he is the Son of Man who must be raised on the Cross for eternal life. The Cross is not about wrath but divine love, and it is the ultimate gift God gave to accomplish salvation. Those who believe in the crucified and risen Christ are not condemned.
The Only Path
The passages depict the Israelites' struggle with sin and eternal death, highlighting God's love for his Son, who humbled himself and obediently died on the Cross. Looking in faith to Christ brings spiritual salvation and eternal life, as the Cross, an instrument of shame, became the place where Christ won our salvation.
Therefore, the Cross of Jesus Christ is indeed the only path. It is the only place where God's justice and mercy perfectly meet. It is the only sufficient sacrifice for sin. It is the ultimate revelation of God's love. This is the only means by which we are saved, transformed, and granted access to the glory of God. Our response is to look at it, believe, and live. Are we ready to take up our cross and follow Jesus Christ, the Crucified? (*)