The crucifixion of Jesus is rich with powerful symbols that echo themes of healing, transformation, and salvation. Two of the most striking symbols are the MASH cross and the snake imagery from the Exodus story, both of which connect to the universal theme of renewal and deliverance. The MASH cross, derived from ancient Sumerian and Akkadian traditions, symbolizes the binding and connecting of humanity to the divine, with the ultimate act of binding occurring on the cross through Jesus’ sacrifice. Just as the MASH cross was linked to cleansing rituals and spiritual protection, Christ’s crucifixion serves as the ultimate act of reconciliation, offering healing and deliverance from sin.
In parallel, the snake imagery from the Exodus story, where Moses lifts the bronze serpent on a pole to heal the Israelites from venomous snake bites, finds its fulfillment in the Gospel of John, where Jesus compares His crucifixion to this event. 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). In the Exodus story, the bronze serpent symbolized physical healing; similarly, Jesus’ death on the cross brings spiritual healing and eternal life to those who believe in Him. The snake's ability to shed its skin, a process of renewal and transformation, offers a powerful parallel to the Christian message of spiritual rebirth. Just as a snake must shed its old skin to grow, believers are called to shed their old, sinful nature and embrace the new life offered through Christ’s sacrifice.
Both the MASH cross and the serpent on the pole find modern echoes in the symbols used on ambulances, the Rod of Asclepius (a serpent wrapped around a staff) and the Caduceus (two serpents entwined around a winged staff). These symbols, which have been adopted by modern medicine, trace their origins back to ancient representations of healing, regeneration, and transformation. The serpent’s association with healing dates back to civilizations like the Minoans, where serpents were seen as symbols of renewal and mystical power. This imagery was then carried forward in the Exodus narrative, where the bronze serpent became a symbol of physical healing. In a similar way, the MASH cross symbolized protection and divine authority, later reflected in the cross of Christ, which brings ultimate healing and deliverance.
These ancient symbols—whether the MASH cross or the serpent on a pole—reflect a shared origin in themes of healing, protection, and spiritual transformation. In the context of Christ's crucifixion, these symbols are powerfully redefined. Jesus' death on the cross fulfills the ancient longing for healing and renewal, offering both forgiveness of sins and the transformative power to put off the old self and embrace a new life in Him. The modern use of these symbols in medicine, especially in the context of healing and rescue, is a reminder of the deeper, spiritual healing Christ offers through His sacrifice. Just as ambulances rush to heal the wounded, Christ’s cross brings life and healing to the spiritually wounded, offering a path to reconciliation with the Father and eternal life for all who look to Him in faith.
If it wasn’t the only medicine for my sin, if something else could do the job, Christ died for nothing. It is my medicine from the loving Father for my sin condition.
Stephen D Green with ChatGPT, 2024
