When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” Exodus 20:18-19
Humans have been asking for a mediator from the start.
“Moses, you talk to us. We’re scared to speak to God, directly.”
Can you relate?
Pastor, you talk to God and tell us stuff.
Priest, let me confess to you.
Musician, you sing—you’re better.
God is mysterious and my relationship with him is unclear, even complicated. You, mediator… you live in the balance of mystic and realistic. You tell me what God’s up to and if He has anything to say to me. I’ll just be over here being normal.
Then, Jesus.
Jesus: “I know you’ve wondered about who God is, where you stand with Him, and how He feels about you. So… watch this…”
Then, Jesus…
…took on average human form.
…lived a limited human life.
…got His hands dirty loving real people in real ways.
…allowed Himself to be betrayed, abused, and murdered.
…extended his hands in sacrifice and says… “How about now? Can we be together now?”
Jesus: The final go-between.