Day 23

Jesus Is Our Mediator

from the Because He Lives reading plan


Hebrews 8:1-6, 1 Timothy 2:1-6, Jude 1:20-25

BY Erin Davis

The cross looms large over all of history. Its shadow is cast in all directions—forward and backward, before and behind. Every narrative in Scripture is draped in the gospel.

Think back to the moment the children of Israel decided to worship a golden calf at the base of Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:1–14). God was poised to destroy them for their rebellion, and His holy wrath was fully justified.

In response, Moses turned to God, aware of how impossible it was for his people to save themselves from God’s just wrath. Unless he intervened, his beloved nation would be destroyed. In the end, the Israelites were spared, not because they were worthy or sinless (they weren’t), but because Moses pleaded for mercy on their behalf to a merciful God.

And yet, Moses’s pleading can’t save you or me from our sin. Moses is gone, his body buried in a secret grave dug by the Lord Himself (Deuteronomy 34:5–7). Humanity’s part of God’s covenant with Moses is broken. We remain as rebellious as our Hebrew forefathers. But this is more than a story about a time when God saved a bunch of silly idol-worshippers. In the light of the cross, the image changes. True gospel hope emerges for you and for me.

“These serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was warned when he was about to complete the tabernacle. For God said, ‘Be careful that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain.’ But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises” (Hebrews 8:5–6, emphasis mine).

Christ is our Mediator, the bridge to the better covenant. We are not—nor could we ever be—holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). God’s wrath toward us is fully justified. In response, Jesus turned to face God, fully aware of how impossible it was for people to save themselves from God’s just wrath. Unless He intervened, His beloved Bride would be destroyed.

At the cross, Christ intervened for us. Yet He is not buried in a tomb. He arose with the power to keep pleading our case. Even now, this very moment, He advocates for us before the Father. He is the Savior who keeps saving us from our sin, the Mediator who keeps making our case, based on His righteousness, not our own.

Beloved child of God, you have been spared. Not because you are worthy, but because Christ advocates for you. Amen.

Post Comments (46)

46 thoughts on "Jesus Is Our Mediator"

  1. Steph C says:

    “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” (1Timothy 2:5-6). He gave Himself for me. He died to forgive me. He lives to intercede. He is the only advocate I need – His blood pleads for me.

  2. Ana Love says:

    Being loved enough by God to be spared. Wow. I’m thankful Jesus doesn’t advocate once but continues to advocate for me over and over again.

  3. Sarah D. says:

    Praying for you and your school Kathy!

  4. NanaK says:

    Imagine how differently our nation would look if we all followed Timothy’s advice: “…that petitions, prayers , intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and those in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.”
    Gracious Lord Jesus, You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise, today and forever more. I pray that I will be seek always to do that which pleases you. Amen.

  5. Mari V says:

    I AM SPARED! Thank you Jesus for taking my place!

  6. Liz A says:

    I have been truly humbled these past few weeks with how much God loves me and how much mercy he pours down on us. Christ was praying & advocating for me way before I was ever a spec in the universe. 1John is a reminder of that. Please, pray for my boyfriend Mario. He is not a believer; yet has shown interest in the Lord, but is allowing fear or Satan’s grip to hold him back from taking that first step. Prayers that he is full of the Holy Spirit and sees God’s love working in his life would be greatly appreciated.

  7. Tricia Cavanaugh says:

    I am so grateful that God shows mercy every day. The verse that really spoke to me today is in Jude. “Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.”
    ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬
    This, to me is saying, love the sinner but hate the sin. Isn’t that what Jesus does for us? It sure can be hard. I myself am that sinner, and Jesus loves me just the same.

    Kathy, and others who are dealing with these issues, I am keeping you in prayer. The things that we go through and witness are not always good. Thank goodness we have the Holy Spirit to intercede in words to the Father when we don’t know what to say.
    Blessings to you all from Pennsylvania, this cold and rainy Tuesday.

  8. Amy C says:

    Dear Sisters,

    For those of experiencing so much grief, I am sorry for what you are going through, but am lifting you up in prayer today. For those who have shared – thank you and praying over you as well. This is a good, supportive community and I am thankful for you all. God is good!

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