
Being exposed to the glory and greatness of God exposes our sin and shame and reveals our need for a mediator
- Israel confessed their need
- God affirmed the need
- Moses met the need for Israel
- But, Moses’ mediation was limited
In Christ, our need for a mediator is met so that we can approach our Lord in confidence
1 Timothy 2:5–6 (ESV) — 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Hebrews 9:12 (ESV) — 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
Romans 8:34 (ESV) — 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Hebrews 4:15–16 (ESV) — 15 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. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Discussion Questions
- Read Deuteronomy 5:22-6:3 and review the sermon outline above, what are some key takeaways from them?
- The Scripture mentions Israel’s reaction to seeing God’s glory at Mount Sinai. How do you think you would have reacted in that situation?
- In what ways might we, like Israel, sometimes desire a mediator between us and God, and how does Jesus fulfill this role in a way Moses could not?
- How does the concept of the ‘law chart’ versus the ‘cross chart’ challenge our understanding of righteousness and rest in our lives?
- How might recognizing our deep sinfulness actually lead to greater freedom and rest in Christ rather than shame or despair?
- How does the concept of God’s unchanging holiness and our growing awareness of sin shape our appreciation for Christ’s mediation?
- What are some practical implications of being able to ‘approach the throne of grace with confidence’ because of Christ’s mediation?