Jesus, Our Mediator

Hebrews 8:6-13
6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.
 8 For he finds fault with them when he says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
          Hebrews 8:6-13 is a powerful passage that highlights the role of Jesus as the mediator of the new covenant. In this passage, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of the new covenant over the old covenant, which was established through Moses. The new covenant, as described in this passage, is characterized by its superior promises and its ability to change hearts and minds. Through Christ, the new covenant offers a deeper understanding of God and a more intimate relationship with Him. One of the key points made in this passage is that the old covenant, established through Moses, was inadequate to bring about true righteousness and holiness. The laws and regulations of the old covenant were only a shadow of the reality that was to come through the new covenant in Jesus. The author of Hebrews also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant. The Spirit is the one who empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will, and to understand and obey the truth of the new covenant. It is also important to note that the new covenant is not limited to the Jewish people, but is available to all who believe in Jesus. The new covenant is for all people, regardless of race or ethnicity, who put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
        When we think of a mediator, we often think of someone who acts as a go-between, someone who helps two parties come to an agreement. In the case of Hebrews 8:6-13, Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant between God and humanity.
        Jesus, who is the mediator of a new and better covenant through His death and resurrection, has made it possible for all people to have direct access to God and to be forgiven of their sins. The new covenant is not based on a set of rules and regulations, but on a relationship with God made possible through faith in Jesus.
        One of the key verses in this passage is Hebrews 8:6, which says, "But now Jesus has obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises." This verse highlights the superiority of Jesus' ministry and the new covenant that He mediates.
        Another important aspect of Jesus' role as mediator of the new covenant is that He is able to fully understand and sympathize with our weaknesses and temptations. Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." This is in contrast to the old covenant, where the priests were not able to fully understand and sympathize with the Israelites' struggles.
        One practical application of this truth is that it should change the way we approach our relationship with God. We no longer have to rely on our own efforts to follow the law and earn God's favor. Instead, we can trust in Jesus and the work He has done for us on the cross. We can rest in the fact that we are fully forgiven and made right with God through Jesus' sacrifice.
        Another practical application is that this truth should change the way we interact with others. Because we have been shown such grace and forgiveness through the new covenant, we should extend that same grace and forgiveness to those around us. We should strive to be a reflection of Jesus' love and forgiveness to those in our lives.
        Lastly, understanding the new covenant should also affect the way we view our future. We can have hope and confidence in the promises of God through the new covenant, knowing that He will fulfill them. It should give us hope and peace in the midst of trials and suffering, knowing that ultimately we have a better future in heaven through Jesus.
        Hebrews 8:6-13 is a powerful reminder of the new covenant that we have through Jesus. It should change the way we approach our relationship with God, interact with others, and view our future. Let's strive to live in light of this truth every day.

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