Day #10: “Jesus our Mediator” (Joe Staley)
Our focus during this period is prayer. While that word is not included in these few verses or even in the several paragraphs leading to these verses, there are two key ideas presented here that enable our prayers: Mediation and confidence. Mediation is not a commonly used idea, and confidence is widely used but not easily adopted. Please slowly read the verses below, and then we will look at both ideas.
Hebrews 4:14-16 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Like prayer, the word Mediator is not used here, but the idea is implicit in the role of a high priest. In a business sense, a mediator is usually an experienced and impartial third party who is able to see both sides of a situation and help the disagreeing parties to reach a resolution. Although we tend to think of a priest as a Catholic cleric, the broader meaning is an intermediary or mediator who enables us (sinners) to communicate with God. Westminster Shorter Catechism Question#25 says that Jesus as Priest, offers himself as a sacrifice for us, reconciles us to God, and intercedes for us. Jesus truly is our connection to God the Father – which is a key aspect of prayer. Jesus is not just “able to see both sides” but he has faced every temptation that we face – He knows how we are tempted, yet without sin. That sure knowledge is a source of confidence.
Confidence is the second idea presented in these verses. If you have talked to me for more than a few minutes, you know that I am an avid rower. Not a good rower, but one who appreciates the opportunity to be out on the river, getting good exercise and seeing God’s creation from a unique perspective. A person can row by themselves, in what is called a “single” or can row in a boat with up to eight rowers. My preference is usually to row in a boat with four rowers. The reason is confidence. In a single, the rower is totally responsible to take all of the necessary actions to keep the boat upright. With four rowers, each one doing their part to stay stable, you get the benefits of rowing with much less of a fear of going for a swim in the river. For me, that sense of confidence that I have with four rowers is analogous to the confidence I should have in prayer. With Jesus as our mediator, we can approach the throne of grace confidently, making our requests known to God. At the same time, our approach should be with the respect that comes from our humble recognition that we are able to pray only by the grace of God. Our confidence should not be brash or self-righteous but be based on thankful and humble recognition of Jesus’ work as our high priest. My example of rowing may not resonate with you, but the idea of a group of four rowers working together to stay upright and go fast may be an encouragement for groups of us to pray together, confidently approaching the throne of grace.
As we continue our focus on prayer, please remember two things. We can be thankful for Jesus in his work as prophet, priest, and King, which enables us to pray. We can encourage one another to pray consistently and confidently.
