What was the primary significance of the bronze serpent Moses erected in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9), beyond its immediate function of healing those bitten by snakes?

A It served as a reminder of Israel's constant rebellion against God's authority. B It symbolized the power of Egyptian magic that God overcame during the Exodus. C It prefigured Christ's crucifixion, offering salvation to all who look to Him in faith. D It represented the inherent danger of the desert environment and the need for constant vigilance.