Numbers 21:4-9 / John 8:21-30
For some kind of understanding between persons or between people to happen, there must be a common factor or a common denominator.
For e.g. in Singapore, where there are many races with their own languages and dialects, there must be an official language.
The official language not only facilitates communication, but also in many ways, the official language promotes understanding and racial harmony.
In the gospel, Jesus did not speak a different language to His people.
Yet, as much as they heard Him, they did not understand Him or even misunderstood Him.
Maybe before the last word left the lips of Jesus, the people were already thinking of what to refute or retort.
We all know that this can never lead to a sensible communication or to a deeper understanding.
We may know who Jesus is. But more than knowing about Him, Jesus wants us to understand Him from the heart.
We don't need to be bitten by fiery serpents to know that He loves us deeply and that He wants us to be persons of love too.
When we understand who Jesus is, we will also understand the meaning of love and what it means to be a loving person.