Why Is Jesus Called the Great Mediator?

Mediation is the process of intervening in order to resolve a dispute or heal a broken relationship. To be successful, the mediator must have the trust of both parties and must be able to understand what is required to repair the breach between them.

Isaiah prophesied that the Savior would come to earth, “[pour] out his soul unto death; [be] numbered with the transgressors; and [bear] the sins of many.” By doing so, He would “[make] intercession for the transgressors” (Mosiah 14:12).

After quoting that passage, the prophet Abinadi testified that the Savior would conquer death by allowing Himself to be crucified. This willing submission in the midst of unspeakable agony gave Him “power to make intercession for the children of men” (Mosiah 15:6-8). He stands “betwixt [us] and justice,” because He “satisfied the demands of justice” on our behalf (Mosiah 15:9).

The goal of a mediator is to bring two parties together. The mediator doesn’t do this from a distance. They work with the individuals personally. They get involved. The word “mediation” descends from the Latin word mediare, which means “to be in the middle.” A mediator stands with the people they are serving and engages with them personally.

Lehi taught his son Jacob that the Messiah would intervene on our behalf. “Because of the intercession for all,” he said, “all men come unto God” (2 Nephi 2:10). The mission of the Savior is to bridge the gap between us and our Father and Heaven, to bring us back to the presence of God.

When that happens, we will be judged according to our works. But the Savior’s intercession also enables us to have a happy outcome. By His grace, we can overcome our sins and “choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men” (2 Nephi 2:28).

With this background, Lehi makes a heartfelt plea to all of his sons:

I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom (2 Nephi 2:28-29).

It’s a critical choice: We can find true happiness and peace, but we have to know who is capable of mediating this outcome for us, and we have to learn to trust Him to do that job on our behalf.

Today, I will strive to follow Lehi’s admonition. I will “look to the great Mediator.” I will remember my Savior, Jesus Christ, and strive to follow the guidelines and instructions He has given to me. I will trust that He can help me transcend “the will of the flesh” and receive eternal happiness and peace.