Mediation

The achieving of fellowship and reconciliation between separated parties. Scripture declares that Jesus Christ is the only true mediator between God and humanity.

Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity

1 Timothy 2:5–6

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all — the testimony that was given at just the right time.

Mediation through the covenants

Through the covenants of law

Galatians 3:19 See also Psalm 119:29; John 1:17

Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator.

Through the covenants of promise

Hebrews 12:24 See also Genesis 12:3, Genesis 17:7, Genesis 17:11; Isaiah 59:21; Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 9:15

to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Mediation through the prophetic word

Ezekiel 3:4 See also Exodus 4:15–16; Jeremiah 1:9

Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them.

Jesus Christ is the supreme mediator of the prophetic word

John 7:40 See also Matthew 11:27, Matthew 17:5; John 14:6, John 14:9–10; Revelation 19:13

On hearing these words, some of the people said, “This is truly the Prophet.”

Mediation through priestly intercession and blessing

Mediation by sacrifice

1 Chronicles 21:26 parallel 2 Samuel 24:25 See also Deuteronomy 33:10; 1 Kings 18:30–38; Hebrews 9:22–23

And there he built an altar to the LORD and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called upon the LORD, who answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering.

Jesus Christ as both priest and sacrifice

Hebrews 7:27 See also Isaiah 53:10; Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 9:11–15

Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself.

Mediation by praying for others

1 Samuel 12:23 See also Genesis 20:7; Exodus 32:30–32; Psalm 106:23; Jeremiah 9:1

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.

Jesus Christ's continuing intercession

Romans 8:34 See also Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 9:24

Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God— and He is interceding for us.

Mediation through blessing

Deuteronomy 21:5 See also Genesis 12:2–3; Numbers 6:22–27; 2 Samuel 6:18 parallel 1 Chronicles 16:2

And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.

Jesus Christ mediates overflowing blessing

Galatians 3:14 See also Acts 3:25; Romans 15:29; Galatians 3:8; Ephesians 1:3

He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Mediation for suffering and guilty believers

Job 9:32–35 See also Job 16:19–21; 1 John 2:1

For He is not a man like me, that I can answer Him, that we can take each other to court. Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both. Let Him remove His rod from me, so that His terror will no longer frighten me. Then I would speak without fear of Him. But as it is, I am on my own.[’’]

Universal mediation

Colossians 1:20

and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.

Mediation between people and Jesus Christ

Mediation between individuals

Genesis 37:21–22 Reuben for Joseph; Genesis 41:9–13 the baker for Joseph; 1 Samuel 19:1–7 Jonathan for David; 2 Samuel 14:1–24 Joab for Absalom; Philemon 1:10–21 Paul for Onesimus