Unveiling Direct Access to God: Understanding Jesus' Mediator Role

Direct Access to the Father: Understanding Jesus' Mediator Role

Have you ever felt like you needed someone to intercede on your behalf when approaching God? Maybe you've felt unworthy or distant from the Father, and you've longed for someone to bridge the gap between you and Him. In the Gospel of John, Jesus addresses this very issue and provides us with a profound truth that we must grasp: we have direct access to the Father through Him, and He does not stand as a barrier between us and God.

In John 16:26-27, Jesus says, "In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." These words are both comforting and enlightening, as they reveal the true nature of our relationship with God.

Often, we may mistakenly view Jesus as the sole Mediator between us and the Father, believing that we cannot approach God directly. However, Jesus corrects this misconception by stating, "I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf." He wants us to understand that we can go to the Father directly, without any need for Him to intercede on our behalf.

So why does Jesus make this distinction? He emphasizes that the Father Himself loves us. We are not to view Him as an angry or distant God, but as a loving Father who desires to have a direct relationship with us. Jesus wants us to approach the Father boldly and expectantly, knowing that we are welcomed and loved.

This does not diminish the role of Jesus as our Mediator. Without His sacrifice on the cross, we would not have access to the Father. Through His blood, we are cleansed from our sins (Hebrews 10:19-20). Jesus continues to intercede for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25), advocate for us (1 John 2:1), and serve as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:15-16). He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

However, Jesus wants us to understand that His role as Mediator does not mean that the Father is distant or unwilling to receive us. Jesus says, "for the Father himself loves you." This is a powerful statement that should shape our understanding of our relationship with God. We are loved by the Father, and He desires for us to come to Him directly.

Imagine a loving father who eagerly waits for his child to come to him, to share their joys and sorrows, to seek his guidance and comfort. This is the heart of our Heavenly Father towards us. He delights in our presence and wants us to approach Him with confidence and trust.

In the Old Testament, access to God was limited. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the people's sins. The veil in the temple separated the people from the presence of God. But when Jesus died on the cross, that veil was torn in two, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Through Jesus, we now have direct access to the Father.

So how should we approach the Father? Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. We can come to God with confidence, knowing that He welcomes us and desires to meet our needs. We don't have to fear rejection or judgment, for the Father Himself loves us.

Let us not make Jesus more of a Mediator than He is. He has made a way for us to come to God, and He wants us to take full advantage of it. We don't need someone to stand between us and the Father; we can go directly to Him. Jesus is not there to talk for us or keep us at a distance. He is there as a witness to the Father's love and the removal of His wrath from us.

In conclusion, Jesus' words in John 16:26-27 remind us of the incredible privilege we have as believers - direct access to the Father. We can approach God boldly, knowing that He loves us and desires a personal relationship with us. While Jesus serves as our Mediator, we must not overlook the fact that the Father Himself loves us and welcomes us into His presence. Let us come to the Father with confidence, thankful for the access we have through Jesus.