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

Sunday, February 15, 2026

[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

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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."

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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.

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