How can believers today rely on Christ as their mediator in prayer? Longing for a Mediator: Job 9:33 “Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both.” • Job feels the gulf between sinful humanity and the holy God. • He longs for someone who can touch both God and man—foreshadowing the person of Christ. Christ Fulfills Job’s Cry • 1 Timothy 2:5—“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” • Hebrews 9:15—Christ is “the mediator of a new covenant.” • John 1:14—The Word “became flesh,” fully able to “lay his hand upon us both.” What Christ’s Mediation Means for Prayer Today • Direct access—Ephesians 2:18: “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” • Confidence—Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” • Authority—John 14:13-14: asking “in My name” invokes the Mediator’s standing. • Cleansing—Hebrews 10:19-22: the blood of Jesus opens “a new and living way.” Practical Ways to Rely on Christ as Mediator 1. Begin with recognition • Acknowledge Jesus as the sole bridge to the Father (John 14:6). 2. Confess sin quickly • 1 John 1:9 reminds us His blood cleanses and restores fellowship. 3. Pray in His name and character • Align requests with His revealed will (1 John 5:14-15). 4. Approach boldly, not presumptuously • Confidence rests in His merit, not ours (Titus 3:5). 5. End with gratitude • Thank the Father for hearing because of Christ’s intercession (Romans 8:34). Encouraging Promises to Remember • Hebrews 7:25—He “always lives to intercede for them.” • Romans 8:38-39—Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. • Philippians 4:6-7—The peace of God guards hearts when we present requests “through prayer and petition with thanksgiving.” Living the Reality • Carry every concern to God immediately; the Mediator is already at work. • Replace guilt-driven distance with grace-driven nearness. • Expect answers shaped by the wisdom and goodness of the One who mediates perfectly between you and the Father. |