mediation, mediator

The activity (and person performing it) of functioning as a go-between or intermediary between two people or parties. In religion, mediation usually refers to a person who represents the community in contacts with divine beings. In the OT the priests are the primary religious mediators between humans and God, but Israelite history records how other OT leaders also filled this role: Abraham (Gen 12:7-8; Gen 18:22-33); Jacob (Gen 35:1-15); Moses (Exod 32:30-34); Joshua (Josh 24:14-28); Samuel (1Sam 8-12); and Solomon (1Kgs 8:22-53). The prophets who acted as God’s messengers in bringing God’s word to the people also acted as mediators in effecting reconciliation between the people and God (Jer 14:1-9). In the NT Jesus is the unique mediator who reconciles sinful humans to God. The term “mediator” is explicitly applied to him four times (1Tim 2:5-6; Heb 8:6; Heb 9:15; Heb 12:24). Consequently, believers are instructed to pray in Jesus’s name to God (John 14:13).