The True Mediator | Resources

Intro

The Exodus story reveals a holy God who draws near to His people yet requires a mediator for them to approach Him. That mediator is Moses, and in Exodus 19–24, Moses ascends the mountain to meet with God and bring His word to the people. But in John 3, Jesus is revealed as the true Mediator who has descended from heaven to give sinners access to God and entrance into His kingdom and family through His life, death, and resurrection.

OT PICTURE: MOSES (EXODUS 19–24)

JOHN’S FULFILLMENT: JESUS, THE TRUE MEDIATOR(JOHN 3)

QUESTION: HOW DO SINNERS APPROACH GOD?

Quote

“Christ is the only Mediator between two parties at odds with one another—God and men.” - R.C. Sproul

Discussion/Reflection Questions

1. Read Exodus 20:18–21. Why were the people afraid to approach God, and what role did they ask Moses to take between them and God?

2. In Exodus 19–24, Moses repeatedly goes up the mountain to meet with God and then returns to the people. What does his role reveal about both God’s holiness and humanity’s need for a mediator?

3. In John 3:13, Jesus says that He has descended from heaven. How does this make Him a greater Mediator than Moses?

4. Jesus says that a person must be born again. Why are religious knowledge, morality, or human effort unable to give us access to God?

5. How should knowing that Jesus brings you to the Father change the way you approach God when you feel unworthy?

Supplemental Reading

Day 1: Exodus 19:16–20

Day 2: Exodus 20:18–21

Day 3: Hebrews 3:1–6

Day 4: 1 Timothy 2:5–6

Day 5: Hebrews 4:14–16

Prepare for Next Week: John 4

Gospel Connection

Moses stood between a holy God and sinful people, but his mediation was temporary and limited. Jesus is the true and final Mediator. He came from the Father, took on our humanity, bore our sin at the cross, and rose again so that all who trust Him can be reconciled to God. We do not approach God by making ourselves worthy enough to enter His presence. We come through Christ, who brings us near and gives us new life.

Response

Prayer Prompt: Thank Jesus for bringing you to the Father. Ask Him to help you approach God with humility, confidence, and trust.

Action Step: Before you pray each day this week, remind yourself, “I come to the Father through Jesus.” Then bring one need, sin, or fear honestly to God.