First, our Lord Jesus Christ was our “Mediator,”
but in a new translation it is now translated as “the One who mediates.”
Is that the same?
What is there “to mediate” between God and men?

Perhaps it is an advantage that a new Bible translation puts old words into today’s language. Through this process, the meaning of these old concepts is receiving new light, since, at times, we use words, and we do not think about them anymore.

Perhaps “Mediator” had become such a petrified word. What does it actually mean? The sentimental value was more or less, that he makes it all right between God and men.

But then, when suddenly you see written “the One who mediates,” then that is not quite right. For one who mediates, does not make it all right, but he mediates in that process.

To do Justice to both sides⤒🔗

A person who mediates is someone who listens well to both sides, when there is a conflict between two parties. He tries to find a solution, which does justice to both sides. So, nothing is covered up, but he finds a way that everyone can travel with full conviction.
 

our Mediator gives the people back to God,
and gives God back to the people

Think for example of the nuclear facilities that Iran is building. The claim is that those are needed for energy in homes and factories, so it is of great importance to them. But the rest of the world does not trust this claim, for in these facilities, work can also be done toward getting nuclear weapons. That is a grave danger for world peace. Both parties have high stakes in this, and this cannot be covered up.

And so, the world is waiting to see how this will turn out.

In the meantime, a mediating proposal has been put forward: the world will supply plutonium to Iran, that may be used only for the generation of energy. Then that need is looked after, and the nuclear facilities will not be needed, and thus the world is relieved of that threat.

Kudos to the creator of that plan! This is doing justice to both sides. The only question left is whether both parties also view it this way and indeed want to proceed in this way. The person who mediates does not solve the problem, but hands over a solution.

Is this also the way we look to our Mediator Jesus Christ? Is he one who mediates, nothing less and nothing more?

God comes into His Own Justice←⤒🔗

Our Mediator has listened well to both sides. In the first place, he is permeated with God’s justice, which must be met completely. That justice is not legal or formal; it is the justice of ownership. God has the right to his creation and to the harmony in it, that everything (in it) rejoices and mirrors his glory!

And especially, God has a right to all the people, whom, after all, he created after his image: that they belong to him with heart and soul, strength and understanding!

God’s justice means that everything returns to his holy level, without darkness. Nothing can be taken away from this, for God cannot deny himself. He will not be satisfied with a world filled with decay and with people who direct their love elsewhere.

Our Mediator has listened well to God’s justice for the people and for the whole world.

He looked for a way for people to completely satisfy God’s justice. He was searching for a way that did not exist, an impossible way for sinful people. That is why he became man, so that in his human form he could give God what was required, the full payment!

Every day on earth he gave to God his obedience, his love, his praise, and his faithfulness.

He gave this also in his suffering and in his death. When God looks upon the man Jesus, he receives in him everything to which he justifiably lays claim. Not just the life of man, but he also receives a renewed creation from the hand of Jesus, the Mediator!

When the last enemy has been conquered, and the graves are open, then the Almighty God will accept again the kingship over creation (Revelation 19:6). That will be the living proof that God’s justice has been fully met.

Man comes into his own justice←⤒🔗

Our Mediator has also intently looked at the side of the people. Not that we are entitled to anything. But how do things become “right” again in our lives? What is holding us back from becoming “completely right” again?

Well, we could make quite a list of things. A river of misery threatens and pursues us.

And yet that is not the core of our problem. What we need, is that we see God again, and that in everything, we see him as the sun of our existence! This is why our Mediator came among the people as true God. He showed us God and let himself be known.

Every day of his life on earth he was the perfect example of the love of God. He spoke about his Father, about his goodness and his wisdom. He showed us the hands of the Creator when he broke and shared the bread and the fish. He showed us the voice of the Creator when he quieted the storm and the sea. He showed us God’s goodness when many of the sick were healed and some even rose from the dead. And not only that. He allowed God’s Word to be heard among all the nations, and in that Word God is present. He is present!

When we look upon Jesus, then we see God in our midst. In our Mediator we receive exactly what is lacking in us. And still he is not done with us, only when God is again everything in us, then we will be completely restored in our just position before God!

“Yes,” from both sides←⤒🔗

In summary: our Mediator gives the people back to God and gives God back to the people!

He does justice for both sides. Thus, as Mediator he is very special; there is no other mediator who can offer this much. And yet, he remains Mediator, the One who mediates, and now both parties must find themselves in him.

God’s “Yes” in him is loud and clear. He has raised him from the dead to show that he approves and accepts the complete payment of sins. God has placed him on his right hand, and entrusted to him dominion over all rule, authority, and power on earth (Ephesians 1:20-23).
 

you ought not to discuss these things,
for these things you ought to go on your knees

On the other side, the Mediator represents all people (1 Timothy 2:1-6). Many have questioned the word “all.” Other translations have even been suggested (translating this as “various” or similar renderings). After all, we do not believe in universal atonement. No, we do not, but that is not what this is about.

Besides, one should never adjust a text because of a desired exegesis. Four times, the word “all” appears in this short text (1 Timothy 2:1-6); one cannot avoid that.

The point is that “the man” Jesus Christ is the Mediator between God and man. It says “the man” in verse 5. It does not say that to deny that he is God. But as “the man,” he stands as Adam before God. As such, he stands there for all people. Now it is important that all people get to know and accept that truth! That is a tremendous process of loving and steadfast preaching, with the goal that people say “Yes,” that they accept the Mediator, they embrace him, so that through him they can approach God, so that they personally may be given to God and receive God (in their hearts).

Exciting!←⤒🔗

Paul writes that it is always an exciting moment when Jesus is being proclaimed (1 Timothy 2:5-7), for beyond such a Mediator there is no other! You accept him or you have nothing.

“Exciting moment” is always being camouflaged by strict translations, such as “determined time” or other phrases. But it is comparable to the moment that a rocket launches into the air. The moment is determined, a count-down starts, and exactly at “zero” the button is pushed. That is when it happens, or it does not. Then there is a successful launch, or something very disappointing.

That is the power of the “determined time.” With excitement, people see how it will turn out. When Jesus Christ is proclaimed to the peoples, heaven and earth is watching to see how it unfurls. People will embrace him… or not. Now they firmly embrace their Mediator, or not. That is always an exciting moment, also in every worship service. If Jesus Christ is proclaimed, he is received with great joy… or people react lukewarmly for a variety of reasons.

He is being worshipped at heart… or people knew it all already, or they went to bed too late, or they were too distracted during the service, or… or.

Very exciting, for you say “yes,” or you let your turn pass by — and another Mediator you will not receive.

Praying for all people←⤒🔗

Pray then for all people! God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Paul writes this in direct connection with the One who mediates between God and all people. You ought not to discuss these things, for these things you ought to go on your knees. Pray that all people see their Saviour in God, and in Jesus Christ their unique Mediator!

To get into a conversation with your neighbours and your colleagues starts out with your personal prayer for them. Do not skip anyone because of a possible prejudice of any kind. Think of the murderer on the cross, who, against everyone’s expectations, said “Yes” to Jesus at the decisive moment.

And those whom you know already, who attend church, who are known as believers, are also included in “all people.” Keep praying for everyone’s salvation!

It remains exciting to accept Jesus and follow him in everything. Do not think that the other person stands so firm that he cannot fall.

The mediation remains exciting each and every day!