How does Hebrews 12:24 emphasize Jesus as the mediator of the new covenant? The Scene in Hebrews 12 • The writer has been contrasting Mount Sinai (law, fear, distance) with Mount Zion (grace, joy, access). • Verse 24 lands the climax: “to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” Jesus, the One in the Middle • “Mediator” (Greek: mesitēs) pictures someone standing between two parties to bring them together. • Old covenant: Moses stood between God and the people (Exodus 24:3-8). • New covenant: “there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). – He represents God perfectly because He is God the Son. – He represents us perfectly because He took on true humanity. • Hebrews 9:15 confirms: “Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” What Makes the Covenant “New” Jeremiah 31:31-34 promised a covenant that would: • Be written on hearts, not tablets of stone. • Provide full, final forgiveness: “I will remember their sins no more.” • Create direct knowledge of God for every believer. Hebrews 8:6 says Jesus “mediates” this better covenant, “founded on better promises.” Key benefits under Jesus’ mediation: 1. Internal transformation—new heart, new Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). 2. Complete forgiveness—no annual sacrifices needed (Hebrews 10:10-18). 3. Personal access—“let us draw near” (Hebrews 10:19-22). The Sprinkled Blood That Speaks • Old covenant blood was sprinkled on the people and the book (Exodus 24:8) as a temporary covering. • Jesus’ blood has been “sprinkled” in a once-for-all act (Hebrews 9:12). • 1 Peter 1:2 links our obedience and cleansing to “sprinkling by His blood.” Abel’s Blood vs. Jesus’ Blood Genesis 4:10: Abel’s blood cried out for justice and judgment. Jesus’ blood “speaks a better word”: • It cries “It is finished” (John 19:30), announcing forgiveness rather than vengeance. • It reconciles enemies to God (Colossians 1:20). • It brings near those who were far away (Ephesians 2:13). Living Out the Reality Because Jesus is the mediator and His blood still speaks: • Confidence—approach God without fear (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19-22). • Gratitude—worship with joy rather than dread (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Holiness—pursue peace and purity, knowing the price that was paid (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Hope—look forward to the unshakable kingdom, secured by a covenant that can never fail (Hebrews 13:20-21). In Hebrews 12:24, every word pushes us to fix our eyes on Jesus—our perfect Mediator, the guarantor of God’s new covenant promises, and the speaker of a better, saving word through His precious, sprinkled blood. |
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