Job was looking for someone to place his hands on Him and God and be a liaison (Job 9.33). He was looking for someone to defend him and who understood his side and position in life. He was looking for justification even though he attempted to justify himself at one time and was rebuked for it (Job 32.1-2). As we noted in last week’s article, Job was confident of his Redeemer living, but he also desired a mediator, a judge or an umpire to decide his case. He knew if God heard his case, it would be fine and he would be freed from the turmoil of life (Job 13.1-3). We can all identify with this man of God as we all seek someone to plead our case from time to time—someone who cares and is truly concerned for our well-being and soul. Perhaps we are looking for a mediator.

This week we want to increase our awareness of our Mediator, Jesus the Christ. We must realize some things before we discuss the benefits of having a mediator or a go between. Paul explained to the churches of Galatia that Jesus did not mediate for one only (but makes the strong point of God being one) (Gal. 3.20). He also told Timothy that there was only one mediator between God and man and identifies Him as the Man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2.5). The Hebrew writer demonstrates how Jesus is the, “Mediator of a better covenant [the New Testament] which was established on better promises” (Heb. 8.6). One of the reasons He is the mediator of a better covenant is because of His precious blood, and the writer reminded them that the blood of bulls and goats were never intended to take away sin (Heb. 9.14-15; 10.1-4 & 12.24).

What does it mean to have a mediator? What is the benefit of having a go between? How much do we appreciate Jesus being our Mediator? Having a mediator literally means we have one who intervenes between us and God. He is one who seeks to make or restore peace and friendship, form a compact, or ratify a covenant. He is also one who is a medium of communication, also known as an arbitrator. The Word became flesh for the purpose of taking on the role of mediator as well as other roles. This literally means we have to go through Jesus to get to God our Father. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14.6). Paul showed the Romans of His intercessory role between God and man as well (Rom. 8. 34).

Having a mediator means we cannot approach God the Father without authority and reverence. Through the blood of Christ and the everlasting covenant, by faith we access God. This puts us in the position to pray for all men and those in authority (1 Tim. 2.1-4). Furthermore it means that those outside of Christ cannot approach God without going through the proper protocol to satisfy our Father. We can have fellowship through Christ when we are walking in the light and we can be assured we have the blood cleansing us as we live accordingly (1 Jn. 1.7-10).

Having Jesus as our Mediator assures us of being under the New Covenant, for Moses was the mediator of the Law of Moses. When Israel came out of Egyptian bondage, Jehovah spoke to them from the top of the Mount and the people were terrified (Exo. 20.18-21). The people of God requested for Moses to speak to God and then relay the message to them, and that is exactly what happened. As Christians under the Law of Christ, we have the pleasure of worshipping the Father through Jesus (1 Pet. 2.5). We can truly have someone who understands both sides (eternal and temporal) and spiritually hold our hands in this life. No wonder the Lord Jesus is right there with us in the worship service to our Father (Heb. 2.12; Matt. 26.26-29). These are a few benefits we have as Christians with Jesus being our go between. Praise God.

How much do we appreciate Jesus being our Mediator and Intercessor? Hopefully we are seeking to show our appreciation through our obedience to His commands and will (Jn. 14.15). Perhaps we are showing our appreciation through intentionally praying with and for those outside of Christ, knowing He is the One positioning us before God to hear our prayers (1 Pet. 3.12). Again, hopefully we are extending our hearts to Him that He may have free reign in us, seeing He searches our hearts (Rev. 2.23). We have so much to be grateful for and we should do all we can to express this through obedience, wisdom and holiness. May the Lord be with us as we do the best we can to glorify God and edify one another on a daily basis.