Jesus delivers His "magnum opus" to Nicodemus. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so, must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. The phrase "lifted up" is an important one in the Gospel. It carries a double meaning of crucifixion and exaltation. Christ's death on the cross, His resurrection and His glorification together reveal the Glory of God. The word "must" points to God's sovereign purpose. The crucifixion was the keystone of God's eternal plan to save His people.