John 3:14

The serpent. See on Num. 21:6-9.

Even so. In the wilderness the earnest gaze of faith brought healing. “Even so” faith in the infinite sacrifice of Calvary brings healing from the ravages of sin. On His last day of teaching in the Temple Jesus declared, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (ch. 12:32). In John the expression “lifted up” always refers to the crucifixion (see chs. 8:28; 12:34; etc.). The gospel record cites no other instance at this early period of His ministry upon which Jesus revealed the profound truth here told to Nicodemus. As he saw Jesus hanging on the cross Nicodemus must have remembered vividly the figure of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, and Jesus’ words about His being “lifted up.” But this event, which blasted the hopes of the disciples, convinced Nicodemus of the divinity of the Son of God (DA 775, 776). Of the Synoptics, only Matthew (ch. 20:19) quotes Jesus foretelling His death by crucifixion.

Must. Or, “it is necessary that.” Wherever Jesus uses this word in reference to Himself (see chs. 9:4; 10:16; 12:34; cf. ch. 20:9) He affirms the divine necessity that brought Him to this earth for the accomplishment of the plan of salvation. See on Luke 2:49.

Most commentators hold that the words of Jesus close with v. 15, and that beginning with v. 16 we have the comments of the evangelist.