In the Gospel of John, Jesus reflects with a Pharisee on a story from the book of Numbers.  Jesus communicates to the Pharisee that just as the LORD gave salvation to the Israelites who had been bitten by deadly snakes in the wilderness, by fixing their eyes and believing upon the LORD’s promise, so too, will the Son of Man be lifted up for the salvation of humanity.  We too, were in dire need of salvation.  We were dead in the venom that is our sin. But because of God’s great love for us and His rich mercy towards us, whoever believes on (looks upon) the Son of Man will have eternal life; salvation.