Most religions have a middleperson or mediator to negotiate with god. In some religions, they are priests, mediums, or gurus. But Paul teaches that there is no human mediator between God and man. The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is fully human and fully God; to is the only mediator. (I Timothy 2:5-6). This quest is common among all cultures and nations. The consciousness of sin in humans’ desires to have a middleman to approach the Holy God.
Quest for the middleman: Job was a righteous man. He indeed was the priest of his household, that he offered sacrifices. Later, he experienced a series of Satanic attacks that he lost everything, including his children and health. His friends condemned him that he had a secret sin that had brought God’s wrath. He struggled to understand his disastrous context. He cried for an arbiter or middleman who could be between him and God. (Job 9:33)
Quest for a priest: Micah was the tribe of Ephraim. He created a private shrine with images, an ephod, and other furniture. Initially, he consecrated his son to be a priest. Later, he got a Levite, whom he hired, appointed, and consecrated as priest for his private shrine. He was self-confident and content that God would bless him, as he had a Levite as his priest. (Judges 17: 9-13) Like Micah, many wrongly think that having a person from the priestly class/caste as a personal priest or guide, or guru, could bring blessings.
Quest for visible gods: Moses was on Mount Sinai, fasting for forty days and nights to receive the Law of the covenant. However, the people were restless and gave suggestions to Aaron to create visible idols to be gods to lead them. Sadly, Aaron obliged and committed Israel to sin against God. (Exodus 32)
Quest for Rabbi: The religious Jewish young men needed a rabbi to be trained in the Law. Like Paul, youngsters search for a Rabbi who has a great reputation like that of Gamaliel. (Acts 22:3)
Do I know the mediator who is the Savior and Lord?