By Stuart Powell
Humanity stepped over the edge and plunged into the bottomless well of sin. Our selfish actions tore us from our rightful position near our creator. Nothing on earth could restore our birthright. We needed something—someone—beyond creation to provide a lifeline. We needed a way to get back to the Father. Mankind needed a mediator, a rescuer, to act as a go-between from God to people. We needed someone who understood the needs on both sides of the divide . . . a champion who could open up the channels of communication and fellowship. That was our greatest need.
Jesus fulfilled that need.
Here is how Paul described it: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
A mediator must possess two important qualities. The mediator must be known and trusted by both parties, and the mediator needs to always be available to those on both sides of the divide. When relationships are devastated by betrayal, abuse, neglect, or hatred, the mediator is vital to the process of restoration and healing. Damaged relationships cannot begin to heal without a mediator. The mediator plays an intimate role in restoring and uniting two parties.
Humanity rejected God in favor of our own choices. God’s justice demanded separation and punishment. In Jesus’ death, Paul pointed out, the Lord became our ransom for the punishment God’s justice demanded because of our sin. Jesus acts as our mediator; he restores the separation from God that our sin provoked. To commemorate his mediation, Jesus asked his followers to take some time to eat some bread and drink of the cup as a way to remember his sacrifice. This is a wonderful way to honor and worship the one who provided for our greatest need.
Stuart Powell lives outside of Terre Haute, Indiana, where he serves with the North Side Christian Church.
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