Look and Live
The sermon emphasizes the power of faith in Jesus Christ to heal sinners and bring them to salvation.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the powerful message of looking to Jesus for healing from the sin that afflicts us, drawing a parallel between the brazen serpent lifted by Moses and Christ on the cross. He assures that just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the serpent, anyone who turns their gaze to Jesus will find immediate healing from the venom of sin. Spurgeon encourages those burdened by their transgressions to recognize that there is hope in Christ, who died for real sinners. He affirms that this act of looking is not for the healthy but for those who are spiritually wounded, promising that all who look to Jesus will live in holiness and communion with God. The call to 'look and live' serves as a reminder of the simplicity and power of faith in Christ.
Text
And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shalt come to pass, that everyone that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. (Numbers 21:8)
This is a glorious gospel type. Jesus, numbered with the transgressors, hangs before us on the cross. A look to Him will heal us of the serpent-bite of sin; will heal us at once -- "When he looketh upon it, he shall live." Let the reader who is mourning his sinfulness note the words -- "Everyone that looketh upon it shall live." Every looker will find this true. I have found it so. I looked to Jesus and lived at once, I know I did. Reader, if you look to Jesus you will live, too. True, you are swelling with the venom, and you see no hope, True, also there is no hope but this one.
But this is no doubtful cure -- "Everyone that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."
The brazen serpent was not lifted up as a curiosity to be gazed upon by the healthy; but its special purpose was for those who were "bitten." Jesus died as a real Savior for real sinners. Whether the bite has made you a drunkard, or a thief, or an unchaste or a profane person, a look at the great Savior will heal you of these diseases and make you live in holiness and communion with God. Look and live.
Sermon Outline
- The Brazen Serpent
- The Purpose of the Serpent
- The Power of a Look
- Healing from the serpent-bite of sin
- Instant healing through faith in Jesus
Key Quotes
“Everyone that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“I looked to Jesus and lived at once, I know I did.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Look and live.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Place your faith in Jesus Christ to be healed from the serpent-bite of sin.
- Recognize that Jesus died as a real Savior for real sinners.
- Look to Jesus to find instant healing and hope for your sinful condition.