It becomes apparent here that the bronze serpent of Moses foreshadows the crucified Christ. Jesus Christ is the new healer, and his healing power is much more powerful. Jesus on the cross has conquered sin and death, and this is the greatest healing that we can ever hope for. The death and resurrection of Jesus show us that God became one of us to liberate us from sin and death, if only we would accept his invitation to have faith in him. He came to free us from all fear, and yet many of us seem to doubt this.
Some Christian missionaries like to think of Chinese culture as a kind of Old Testament.
The Chinese have an ancient and very rich heritage that Jesus blesses, but would like to purify. The meeting point between Chinese culture and the Christian faith would then be a New Testament where Christ penetrates, illuminates, and challenges Chinese culture. As we celebrate the new year of the snake, let us remember the bronze serpent of Moses that brings healing, but more importantly, let us welcome Christ into our hearts for there is a healing that only he can give.