The snake imagery in the Exodus story, where the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent on a pole, is powerfully echoed in the Gospel of John, where Jesus compares His own crucifixion to the serpent in the wilderness. He says, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him" (John 3:14-15). This comparison suggests that, just as the bronze serpent symbolized physical healing for the Israelites, Christ’s death on the cross would bring spiritual healing and salvation to all who believe in Him. The idea of shedding skin by a snake, a process of renewal and transformation, offers a rich parallel to the Christian message of putting off sin and embracing new life in Christ. Snakes shed their skin to grow, symbolizing rebirth and the casting off of the old self to make way for a new one, and this practice was likely associated with healing and transformation in ancient cultures. In particular, the Minoan civilization—with its snake goddess imagery—used serpents as symbols of fertility, regeneration, and healing, as they were thought to possess mystical powers to bring about renewal. This imagery could have influenced the later symbolism of the snake on a pole in the Exodus story, where the serpent serves as a symbol of physical healing for the Israelites. In the same way, the gospel teaches that through Christ's sacrifice, believers are called to shed their old, sinful nature and adopt a new life of righteousness. This process mirrors the Christian concept of repentance and sanctification, where believers, by God's grace, are spiritually reborn and continually called to leave behind sinful habits and put on the righteous ways taught by Christ. Thus, the shedding of the snake’s skin becomes a metaphor for spiritual transformation: just as a snake must shed its old skin to grow, believers must put off their former sinful selves and embrace a new identity in Christ. This parallel deepens the meaning of Christ's work on the cross, as He not only offers forgiveness of sins but also empowers believers to be transformed and live a life that reflects His righteousness, continually putting off sin and putting on the new self made possible through His sacrifice. In this way, the imagery of the snake on the pole in Exodus connects directly to the gospel message of healing, renewal, and spiritual rebirth, as Jesus becomes the ultimate source of salvation and transformation for all who look to Him.
