“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, which is the testimony given at the proper time (1 Timothy 2:5).”
A mediator is the “go between” between two enemies, a bridge between two who are fighting with each other. Maybe it’s the parent or sibling who steps in between two other siblings, or human resource personnel who can help resolve a conflict between two employees, or a counselor who can help a husband and wife. A mediator has a very important role.
There’s an important testimony to give about this mediator. In 1 Timothy 2:5, there’s a problem: God and humanity are at odds, and we desperately need a mediator. God is perfect, truthful, and holy, while we, as humans, are imperfect, deceitful, and sinful. We’re weak, enemies of God, and constantly rebel against Him. This is unacceptable. We can’t do anything on our own to reconcile with God, and He will punish those who turn against Him because He’s just and true. God and humanity are at war, and He’s against you today, if you’re apart from Him. He’ll punish you. Who can bridge the gap between you and God to make things right? What kind of mediator do you need? No ordinary mediator will do.
Enter Jesus, the perfect mediator! How can Jesus be the Mediator? He was born of the Father and free from sin and the curse of the fallen world; He was fully God. He was also born of the virgin Mary and fully human. He could identify with us, truly tempted but without sin. He would be the perfect sacrifice, to shed His blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin (Lev 17:11). The blood of sheep and bulls wouldn’t do; perfect blood from a perfect God/man was needed to reconcile God and humanity.
Jesus is the only one who can fix the problem between you and God and forgive you for your sins. He’s the only one who can bring peace between God and His people, between God and us, between God and you. He did this on the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, He represented us in Christ. He hung there and took God’s punishment for our sins. God put the burden on Jesus, in your place, if you believe today. Jesus also showed God’s great love by dying for us. Even though God hates sinners (Psalm 5:4-5), He loves His people and chooses them to be His own.
This is good news for everyone! He gave Himself as a ransom “for all.” No matter who or where you are, every color, shape, size, language, anyone can come to Jesus. Come today. But you have to come to Him because He only mediates for those who come. Our Savior mediates only between God and His people. He died to save His sheep alone, guaranteeing your eternal salvation if you are His.
To say, think, and believe this verse today is crazy and counter-cultural, but it is our testimony given at the right time: now. Knowing and walking with God is a narrow and hard road and few find it, but we believe in one God over all the nations, every tongue and tribe and person. All must come to Him alone for salvation. This one God has one Mediator, there is only one way, one truth, one life. Jesus is the only go-between, to stand in the gap. We speak this testimony, we pray and work for this testimony, and we live godly lives that promote this testimony. Will you listen today?