What Jesus Did! 'Lifted Up!' — John 3:14-15

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Yearly Bible Reading Plans

Read through the entire bible in 2026 with our free online and printable plans.

 See Plans
[Continuing his talk with Nicodemus, Jesus said,] "And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life."
— John 3:14-15 NLT

Key Thought

The Greek word for "lifted up" usually means "exalted" in the rest of the New Testament. In a way, it also means that in the Gospel of John. However, when Jesus refers to his sacrifice, "lifted up" refers to his crucifixion. For Jesus to be exalted to the highest place means that he submitted himself to being lifted up to the worst of places, the cross of Golgotha. Why would he do such a thing? To follow the will of the Father! To set an example for us! To draw all people to himself! To bring redemption and eternal life to us! The cross is both a despicable place of cruelty and shame and also a place of salvation and glory. We exalt Jesus because he was lifted up on the cross for us.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for your grace demonstrated in Jesus. Thank you, dear Savior, for going to the cross and enduring its horrors and shame so that I could be saved. I exalt you, Lord Jesus, for your grace and mercy. I exalt you, O Father, for raising Jesus from the dead. I look to the cross and the sacrifice made there and trust that Jesus was lifted up for me. Thank you! In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Dawn of The New Way: Lifted Up
Article by Phil Ware
Do you think James was really there through all of this mess? Phil Ware shares some insight and background on James the brother of Jesus and how he disbelieved, but came to faith.
Nicos and Yosef Save Easter?
Article by Phil Ware
The real question is whether or not we will choose to follow Jesus from the cross, to the tomb, and into the new life that Jesus' resurrection brings? Phil Ware reminds us that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were indisputable eye witnesses to the death of Jesus so the resurrection could be assured!
Your Best Is Not Good Enough
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, What do you do when you recognize that your best isn't good enough to get you to God? That's the essential question that every..."
Minister Selflessly
Article by Phil Ware
How can we do it when it is often so hard? Phil Ware continues his SHIFT series by talking about Nicodemus and how he was moved to minister selflessly to Jesus after he really understood God's love and Jesus' sacrifice at the cross.
See All 5 Related Resources about John 3:14-15

Illustration

Illustration of John 3:14-15 NLT — "And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, February 15, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Just an Ordinary Kid?'
"Dear Child of God, When I began My ministry, the folks in My home town of Nazareth were shocked. They didn't expect anything of Me. In their minds, I..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Colossians 4:2
"It is interesting to remark how large a portion of Sacred Writ is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcing..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalms 90:12
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'New, but Connected' (Acts 1:1-2)
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!