LORD’S DAY 6
Devotion: Understanding Our Mediator
Scripture Reading:
- 1 Timothy 2:5-6: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.”
- Hebrews 2:17: “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”
Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 16-19:
- Q16: Why must he be a true and righteous man?
- A16: He must be a true man because the justice of God requires that the same human nature which has sinned should pay for sin. He must be a righteous man because one who himself is a sinner cannot pay for others.
- Q17: Why must he also be true God?
- A17: He must be true God so that by the power of his divine nature he might bear in his human nature the burden of God’s wrath, and might obtain for us and restore to us righteousness and life.
- Q18: Who is this mediator—true God and at the same time a true and righteous man?
- A18: Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was given us to set us completely free and to make us right with God.
- Q19: How do you come to know this?
- A19: The holy gospel tells me. God himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise; later, he proclaimed it by the holy patriarchs and prophets, and foreshadowed it by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law; and finally, he fulfilled it through his own beloved Son.
Reflection:
Understanding who Jesus is and why He came to earth is crucial for our faith. The Heidelberg Catechism helps us grasp these deep truths. Jesus had to be both fully human and fully divine to bridge the gap between us and God. As a true man, He could represent us and take our place. As true God, He had the power to overcome sin and death.
Think about the role of a mediator. In conflicts, a mediator helps both sides come to an agreement. Jesus is our mediator, bringing us back into a right relationship with God. This is not just a historical fact but a living reality that affects our daily lives.
Prayer:
“Dear Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to be our mediator. Help us to understand the depth of His sacrifice and the love you have for us. May we live in the light of this truth every day. Amen.”
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it important that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine?
- How does knowing Jesus is our mediator affect your relationship with God?
- What are some ways you can share this truth with your friends?
I hope this devotion helps you and the teenagers you share it with to grow in their understanding and faith!