Jumpstarter 6 of 10

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Question 6

In Numbers 21, God commands a bronze serpent on a pole even though Israel had a history of idolatry and God had forbidden making images; what does this “weird” command suggest about God’s willingness to use scandalous or easily-misused symbols to save, and where do modern Christians try to “protect” God from that kind of offense?

Another way to ask: In Numbers 21, why would God tell Israel to make a bronze serpent when images could lead to idolatry? What does this say about God using risky or offensive symbols to save, and how do Christians today try to “protect” God from offense?

Direct Answer The “weird” command suggests God may use a shocking, easily misunderstood symbol as a deliberate pointer to salvation—here, a picture that foreshadows Christ being “lifted up.” Chuck’s point implies we sometimes want a cleaner, less offensive method than God chooses, especially when the cross itself feels scandalous.

Support from Transcript:

Chuck emphasizes Israel’s idolatry problem: “They had a massive problem with idolatry… golden calf.”
He cites God’s prohibition: Deuteronomy 4—“do not ever make anything an idol… including things that creep… which would be snakes.”
He raises the scandal: “Why couldn’t God just make the snakes go someplace else? Why would he tell them to make an idol and put it up on a pole?”
He answers with John 3:14: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake… so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”
He concludes the purpose is deeper than the surface: “There’s a reason behind it.”

Discussion Follow-ups Where do you feel tempted to downplay the offense of the cross (or avoid hard passages) rather than explain why God chose that route?

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