The sole AUTHORITY of Jesus Christ
In any discussion of spiritual truths, context is everything—who speaks, from what authority, and why. Without this foundation, we risk error, confusion, or deception. Today, we examine the biblical teaching on intercession and mediation, centering on Jesus Christ as the exclusive way to God. As the Author of salvation and Creator of the universe, His words settle the matter beyond debate. Remember He is the author and the one who writes the rules.
Jesus: The Only Way to the Father
Jesus Himself declares in John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is no mere suggestion; it is the definitive statement from the highest authority. No human tradition, saint, or intermediary can alter it. Salvation’s path is singular, secured by Christ alone.
Jesus: Our Eternal Intercessor at God’s Right Hand
The Apostle Paul affirms in Romans 8:34: “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.” Positioned beside the Father, Jesus’ advocacy is unmatched. What closer access could we seek? In Him, condemnation is nullified, and victory is assured.
Further, Hebrews 7:24-25 describes Jesus’ unending priesthood: “But he holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever. Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” His salvation is complete—no additions needed. Others cannot contribute; He alone bridges us to God as Priest and Savior.
The Holy Spirit: Interceding in Alignment with Christ
The Spirit complements this work, as Romans 8:26-27 explains: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” The Spirit’s prayers are wordless yet perfect, always testifying to Jesus (John 15:26) and reminding us of His teachings (John 14:26). Sent in Jesus’ name, the Spirit points us not to others, but to Christ.
Clarifying Mary’s Role: A Blessed Vessel, NOT a Mediator
Scripture honours Mary as a faithful servant but limits her role to God’s specific purpose. In Luke 2:19, she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Verses 33 and 48 show her and Joseph marvelling at Jesus, astonished when they find Him in the temple. Jesus responds in verse 49: “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Here, at age 12, He distinguishes His true Father—God—from His earthly parents. Joseph and Mary were chosen vessels for 33 years, a profound privilege, but their authority was temporary and subordinate. Jesus submitted to them in obedience (Exodus 20:12), yet His mission was divine, not familial.
Jesus redirects misplaced focus in Luke 11:27-28: A woman cries, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” He replies, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” The key word—”rather”—shifts emphasis from biological ties to obedience. Mary’s blessing is real, but it pales beside hearing and keeping God’s Word. Elevating her risks distraction from the truth: Jesus.
This theme echoes in parallel accounts (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21). When His mother and brothers seek Him, Jesus asks, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to His disciples, He declares: “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Obedience defines family—Mary included. Anyone yielding to God’s will qualifies as His “mother” or sibling. This democratizes spiritual kinship, centering it on Christ, not any other.
At the cross, Jesus publicly concludes Mary’s maternal role in John 19:26-27: “Woman, behold, your son!… Behold, your mother.” Addressing her as “woman” (not “mother”) signals a transition. He has used it one other time, at the marriage in Cana, marking the beginning and now the end of His ministry. With the disciple John present, He entrusts her care to him, fulfilling duty amid agony. This was no private matter; witnesses abound. Post-resurrection, no scripture records anyone seeking Mary’s intercession—alive or dead. Prayers among believers exist (James 5:14-16), but only for the living, in mutual support, not elevation to mediators.
Jesus: The Sole Qualified High Priest
Only Jesus meets the criteria for the high priest, as Hebrews 2:17 states: “Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Fully human yet sinless, He sympathises perfectly (Hebrews 4:14-16): “Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God… 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.”
Qualifications are strict (Hebrews 5:1-4): Priests are appointed by God, not self-chosen, to offer sacrifices—including for their own sins. Jesus, unblemished, needed none for Himself (Hebrews 9:14): “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” As Mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15), He ransoms us from sin’s debt. Blood atonement is essential (Hebrews 9:22): “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” He enters the true sanctuary—heaven itself—to appear for us (Hebrews 9:24, 28).
No one else qualifies; He alone helps in temptation, having suffered it Himself (Hebrews 2:18).
One God, One Mediator: Christ Jesus
Paul urges in 1 Timothy 2:1,5: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” As fully man and God, Jesus uniquely bridges the divine-human gap. “Man” emphasizes His empathy—only He understands our frailty fully. There is here an affirmation, that when it comes supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving there is only one God and only one mediator. Did you catch that?
The Impotence of Other Mediators: A Biblical Warning
Jesus’ parable in Luke 16:19-31 illustrates this starkly. The rich man in Hades begs Abraham to send Lazarus with water, then to warn his brothers. Abraham replies: “Between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.” Even Abraham—righteous in life—cannot mediate post-death. No crossing, no favours. Scripture records no post-resurrection appeals to Mary or apostles for intercession. Death seals roles; the living pray directly or mutually, but never through the departed.
Praying in Jesus’ Name: Direct Access to the Father
Jesus invites: John 14:13-14: “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” And John 16:24: “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” As new covenant Mediator (Hebrews 9:15), He redeems and fulfils promises. Approach boldly—through Him alone (Matthew 7:23 warns of unrecognised pleas).
Fullness in Christ: No Room for Additions
Colossians 1:19-20 proclaims: “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things… making peace by the blood of His cross.” Colossians 2:8-10 warns against distractions: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition… For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” Traditions may allure, but Christ suffices. Why seek elsewhere when fullness resides in Him?
Embrace the Truth Who Is Jesus
Praying through Mary or saints? Scripture’s resounding answer: No. It neither helps nor honours God; it dilutes the gospel. Jesus alone paid sin’s price—unblemished Lamb, High Priest, Mediator. Without Him, wrath abides; with Him, grace flows. The wedding at Cana? A miracle of provision, not mediation for salvation’s chasm. No dispute there—just joy. But between us and God? Rebellion demands Christ’s blood.
Traditions distort; truth liberates. Truth is no abstract—it’s Jesus (John 14:6). Other paths veil Him, blocking personal encounter. Reject distractions; know Him intimately. Accept His words: Approach the Father through the Son, interceded by the Spirit. In this, find complete salvation, unshakeable joy, and eternal life.