“Why Does Alma Share the Story of Moses and the Brass Serpent?” Ensign, July 2020
Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon
Alma 32–35 (July 13–19)
Why Does Alma Share the Story of Moses and the Brass Serpent?
After Alma compares the word of God to a seed (see Alma 32:28–43), people asked him how to plant the seed. Alma used the account of Moses and the brass serpent from Numbers chapter 21 as an example of acting in faith (see Alma 33:19–23).
A Type of Christ
A type is something that represents or foreshadows an object or person. When the Israelites were bitten by poisonous snakes, Moses lifted up the brass serpent, which became a type of Christ. All who acted in faith and looked to it were healed, just as all who act on their faith in Jesus Christ will be spiritually healed.
Some Hardened Their Hearts
As simple as it would be to look, some people hardened their hearts and refused, and they died as a result of being bitten. Why did they not look? (see Alma 33:20). What can this teach us about faith and unbelief?
Will You Be Healed?
If you could be healed by doing something as simple as looking, wouldn’t you do it? Alma poses this question and invites us to look to the Savior by believing in Him (see Alma 33:21–22).