The strongest motivating force of our lives

   The caduceus was the ancient symbol of peace which for the Greeks was a rod or olive branch decorated with ribbons that appeared to look like snakes. Today this image as featured above is a symbol of healing for those in the medical field. 
   In a compelling interview with a high ranking Jew, Nicodemus, Jesus alludes to this ancient symbol. He reminds him of the early peoples in the desert whom God had freed from slavery in Egypt. As they worked their way through the desert, some were bitten by poisonous snakes. They are dying from the poison, complaining bitterly to Moses. God's antidote to the poison is to have Moses make a snake out of bronze, put it on a pole and raise it up for all the people to see. Those who looked at the caduceus were healed. 
   Nicodemus heard something new. Jesus was not afraid to die for his convictions out of love for his people. He spoke of being raised up as a sign of healing and reconciliation: Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up. These words must have baffled Nicodemus leaving us with one of the greatest insights on the life of Jesus:
   When love becomes our strongest motivating force of our lives; everything else falls into place. The cross has become the caduceus for every Christian. A horrible instrument of death transformed into a powerful symbol of peace and healing! Today, hopefully, we can still hold on to that conviction.