Jesus – mediator
by Cathryn Zarnke, English lecturer, Martin Luther Seminary in Papua New Guinea
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For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and humankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).
Read 1 Timothy 2:1–6
Paul wrote this instructional letter for Timothy to give to the church at Ephesus. He wanted to stress the great importance of pure doctrine in the faith and life of the church. He linked the truth of God’s word to salvation, emphasising that there is only one God and that, in him, they have their only mediator. This God is also the man Jesus Christ, the only man who is able to negotiate with God on their behalf so that they can be found justified. This was counter to some ideas circulating at the time.
Paul was keen to preserve the true proclamation of the church there in the face of pre-Gnosticism. This idea denied Christ as the sole mediator between God and humans. It proposed that through mystical searching, personal revelation of God could occur that added to, or opposed, the faithful teaching of the church. This sort of teaching was not only evident then, but is also popular today.
Have you ever believed that God spoke to you in a dream or that you know God through nature? This happens from time to time for some, and while we may feel close to God through these experiences, they must be tested with Scripture and be subservient to it. It is only through Christ in the objective word and sacrament ministry of the church that the Father has promised to reveal himself and his great love for us, not through mystical experiences. Timothy provides certainty for us, reminding us that there is only one mediator, one person, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who negotiates on our behalf.
We experience God through the Son, assurance of the forgiveness of sins through his perfect death, and salvation because of Christ’s advocacy. We are justified because it is Jesus Christ who speaks for us and died and rose again for us. Even though we have sinned against God by neglecting this word or believing ideas that deny its truths, we are forgiven because of what he has done for us.
Jesus, our Mediator, we pray for Cathryn Zarnke, as she teaches English to the students at the Martin Luther Seminary so that they will be equipped for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
The devotions from this week are taken from LCA International Mission’s 40 Days – A Lenten Devotion and Prayer Guide. They are written by a variety of people who are connected with LCA International Mission. Some are LCANZ members who support International Mission in different ways, and others are from partner churches throughout the region. You can download the full prayer guide here.
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