Numbers 21: 4-9
God was prepared to save the lives of those Israelites who rebelled against Moses and the hardships of the desert.

Philippians 2: 6-11
In Jesus, God chose to become one of us.  Through the pain and humiliation of the cross, Jesus raised our humanity from degradation to glory.

John 3: 13-17
Just as Moses lifted up a bronze serpent in order to heal those who would otherwise have died, so Jesus, through the cross, gives life to those who search for him.