To understand how the bronze serpent and the crucifix are linked, we need to look at each in light of faith and history. The serpent was a figure that was employed in the myths of the Ancient Near East (modern day Iraq, southeast Turkey, southwest Iran, northeastern Syria, Kuwait, etc).  It was the symbol of the renewal of life and the cycle of life, death, rebirth and immortality. The bronze serpent was a symbol for the Israelites to take their confession of sins and their need for God’s deliverance to heart since bronze was a metal that reminded them of God’s judgment. The bronze serpent was an ongoing reminder for the need to turn to God’s healing and salvific power. The crucifix then on which the Son of Man was lifted up ( by twofold meaning to be lifted up means to be lifted up on the cross and to ascend into Heaven),  reminds us of the death of God’s Son as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation of humanity. It also reminds us that He is on the side of those who suffer. Let us then place our hope in the one who brings hope in the midst of suffering.