3:14a–b

In this verse the Greek begins with the common conjunction that is often translated as “and.” Here it introduces an illustration that continues and advances Jesus’ argument. Some English translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version, explicitly translate it. You should introduce Jesus’ illustration in a way that is natural in your language.

Just as…so: The Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Just as…so indicate a comparison of one idea to another. Jesus compared his dying on the cross to Moses healing people by putting a metal snake up on a stick. Whoever looked at the snake was healed. Just as God gave physical life to those who looked at the snake, so he gives spiritual life to those who trust Jesus. Jesus was lifted up on the cross so anyone can see and believe.

In some languages you may want to indicate the comparison in another way. For example:

As…, in the same way… (Good News Translation)
-or-
It will happen like the time when…

3:14a

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness: This is a reference to a story in the Old Testament. Moses lived over two thousand years before Jesus was born. He rescued the Israelites from being slaves in Egypt and led them into the desert. The people rebelled against God and Moses, and God sent snakes to bite them. Then they prayed to God and he told Moses to make a bronze snake to heal the people. See Numbers 21:4–9 for the complete story.