William H. Willimon, United Methodist Bishop and Professor of the Practice of Ministry at Duke Divinity School, preaches a sermon called “Can I Get a Simple Answer?” from John 3:14-21. He says, “Poisonous serpents, a strange snake on the pole that heals, a crucified Savior of the world. I’m sorry, if you have come here this morning seeking straightforward answers, simple explanations, or clear explication of the mystery that is the Christian faith I don’t think you get it from the Gospel of John, and I don’t think you will get it in the sermon!” And yet…
