Christ Our Mediator

Text: 1 Timothy 2:5

One of the ways that Jesus is described in the NT is as a mediator. It is important that we understand what this means. This lesson will look at Jesus’ qualifications, His work as mediator, and how we benefit from this.

What Is a Mediator?

  • Means “a go-between” (Vine’s) – used two ways in the NT
  • One who mediates between two parties to produce peace – the two parties are God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)
  • One who acts as a guarantee to secure something that would not otherwise be obtained – in this case, the terms of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15)
  • A mediator is one who brings two parties together to secure a covenant between them – this is what Christ is for us

Jesus’ Qualifications to Be Our Mediator

  • Paul said there is “one mediator” (1 Timothy 2:5) – Christ Jesus; He was the only one who could fulfill this role
  • The deity of Jesus – in the beginning with God (John 1:1); equal with the Father (John 5:17-18; 10:30); the fullness of deity dwelled in Him while on earth (Colossians 2:9)
  • The humanity of Jesus – this is why Paul emphasized Him as “the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5); He became flesh (John 1:14), took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8), and experienced what life is life for all of us (Hebrews 4:15)

What Jesus Did in His Work as Mediator

  • He “gave Himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6) – a ransom is “what is given in exchange for another as the price of his redemption” (Thayer); this is what Jesus did in dying on the cross (1 Peter 1:18-19)
  • Remember the two ways the term mediator (“go-between”) is used in the NT – one who mediates between two parties to produce peace (1 Timothy 2:6; Colossians 1:20-22); one who acts as a guarantee to secure something that would not otherwise be obtained
  • In Jesus’ death, He did more than just bring peace – He ratified the conditions of peace (covenant); “He is the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 9:15-17); this covenant was “enacted on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6; cf. 4:8-9); the benefits of peace are for those who will submit themselves to the covenant (terms of peace)

Benefits of Having Jesus as Our Mediator

  • Peace with God – forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:8-11); access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16; cf. 1 John 2:1); hope of salvation (1 Timothy 2:4-6)
  • A covenant that has been guaranteed – we know what to do to be right with God (Romans 1:16-17); we know that the terms will not be changed (Jude 3); hope of salvation (Hebrews 6:18-20)