5/20/14- Christ the Mediator

Further, it behooved the Messiah and Redeemer to be true God and true man, because he was able to undergo the punishment of our transgressions and to present himself in the presence of his Father's judgment, as in our stead, to suffer for our transgression and disobedience, and by death to overcome him that was the author of death. But because the Godhead alone could not suffer death, and neither could manhood overcome death, he joined both together in one person, that the weakness of one should suffer and be subject to death--which we had deserved--and the infinite and invincible power of the other, that is, of the Godhead, should triumph, and purchase for us life, liberty, and perpetual victory. So we confess, and most undoubtedly believe. (Scots Confession VIb)

 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all people.  (1 Timothy 2:5,6)

Thoughts: Knox focuses on the plan of God for our salvation involving Jesus as a mediator.  Knox specifically explains one aspect of how a God-man was needed for our salvation.  It was only in this perfect combination, Knox points out,  that death was allowed (as Jesus was human) and overcome (as Jesus was God).  As a human, Jesus could die as a sacrifice in our place.   As God, this death would not last.  Knox relishes in the plan, and we should also praise God for the brilliance and perfection of His plan.  

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for becoming human, and for caring so much for us to the very core of your being.  

(Mediator reconciling two parties)

19- 3/11- 3^rd Sunday in Lent- (WLC- 39)

Q. 39. Why was it requisite that the mediator should be man?
A. It was requisite that the mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5)

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:14-15)

Thoughts: Lest we think God is uncaring, He came.  He was tired, He was thirsty, He suffered on the cross, He felt our mocking and persecution and the nails.  So we do not have a great high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but He was tempted in every way.   Christ came to show us it is possible and better to resist temptation.  One of the favorite titles Jesus used of Himself was "Son of Man."  Christ was indeed divine, but He is not so far above us that He is not "God with us"- Immanuel. 

Prayer: Thank you for showing me Jesus, that it is possible and wonderful to resist sin.  Keep me from despair, but show mercy to me.  

(Christ before Pilate- Jan Van Almsted 1542)