Son from Heaven

John 3:13-15 “No one has ever gone into Heaven except the one who came from Heaven – the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”
 
IF you would read from John 1:1 to these verses, you would note this is the third time the apostle identified Jesus as both present “in Heaven” and “came from Heaven.” Here is a profound evidence of Jesus’ Lordship and Heaven’s existence. Fully God and fully man, Jesus came from Heaven. And he  has returned to Heaven.
   Jesus’ teaching to Nicodemus is to affirm Jesus has the authority to speak of Heaven. This was a continual controversy during Jesus’ three-year ministry. The ruling Jews would ultimately use Jesus’ claims to his divine identity and authority to condemn him to the cross.
   Again, we see why we need to know the entire Bible. Bible knowledge is an essential Kingdom substance. Jesus used Old Testament imagery to help Nicodemus see Jesus’ divine nature. The reference to “Moses lifted up the snake in the desert” refers to Numbers 21:4-9. This records the story of the rebellious Israelites, who complained God wasn’t pleasing them. In response, God sent fiery serpents into their midst to judge them. To stop this sin penalty, God told Moses to lift a bronze serpent on a pole. Whoever looked at it would live. Whoever did not perished in their sin. This illustrated the cross to come. Thus, when Jesus said, “The Son of Man must be lifted up.” he referred to both his crucifixion and his exaltation to save mankind. Look to the cross in faith, and you will be saved. Despise the cross, and you’ll be condemned.
          Jesus also identified himself as the “Son of Man.” This term comes from a vision in Daniel 7:13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” The Son of Man submits to the Ancient of Days – the LORD God. Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection and ascension were accomplished under God’s sovereign authority. God gave signs and visions of the Christ to come. Jesus’ obedience fulfilled the visions. Here is the Word made flesh unveiling God’s Word. He demonstrated the detailed plan of a sovereign God to save the world from sin.