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

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

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Persecution Coming!' (2 Ti. 3:12-13)
"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'I Will Sing Your Praises' (Ps. 138:1)
"I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises ..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Acts 10:38
"Few words, but yet an exquisite miniature of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are not many touches, but they are the strokes of a master's pencil. Of the...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Presentations' (1 Th. 5:23)
"Dear Father, all honor to you, I present my body to you, O Lord. Give it health, energy and stamina. Give it healing, as needed. I present my soul,....."

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!