All Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version (NKJV).
Introduction: Interceding Before the One Mediator
In 1 Timothy 2:1–7, believers are exhorted to offer “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks” for all people. This call rests on the truth that there is “one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all.”
Because of His mediation, our prayers for others are heard and answered according to God’s will. The following twelve biblical accounts show how Jesus responded when people came to Him on behalf of others — granting healing, deliverance, blessing, and even resurrection.
Quick Reference Table
| # | Reference(s) | Intercessor(s) | Recipient | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 1:32–34; 6:53–56; 7:31–37; 8:22–26; Matt. 15:29–31 | Crowds, friends | Sick, demon‑possessed, disabled | Healed and delivered |
| 2 | Mark 2:1–5 | Four friends | Paralytic | Forgiven and healed |
| 3 | Mark 5:21–24, 35–43 | Jairus | Daughter | Raised from the dead |
| 4 | Mark 7:24–30 | Syro‑Phoenician mother | Daughter | Demon cast out |
| 5 | Mark 9:14–27 | Father | Son | Delivered and restored |
| 6 | Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17 | Parents | Children | Blessed by Jesus |
| 7 | Luke 7:1–10 | Centurion | Servant | Healed from afar |
| 8 | John 2:1–12 | Mary | Wedding guests | Water turned to wine |
| 9 | John 4:28–30, 39–42 | Samaritan woman | Her city | Many believe |
| 10 | John 4:43–54 | Nobleman | Son | Healed at Jesus’ word |
| 11 | John 11:32–45; 12:9–11 | Mary, Martha | Lazarus | Raised from the dead |
| 12 | Acts 7:51–60; 8:1–3; 9:1–22 | Stephen | Saul of Tarsus | Converted and commissioned |
Detailed Examples of Intercession
1. Crowds and Friends Bring the Afflicted
References: Mark 1:32–34; 6:53–56; 7:31–37; 8:22–26; Matthew 15:29–31
Communities carried the sick, demon‑possessed, and disabled to Jesus, pleading for His touch. He healed and delivered them all.
Takeaway: Love that carries others to Christ is powerful intercession.
2. Four Friends and the Paralytic
Reference: Mark 2:1–5
Four men lowered their paralyzed friend through a roof to reach Jesus. Seeing their faith, He forgave and healed the man.
Takeaway: Persistent, sacrificial intercession opens the way for miracles.
3. Jairus Pleads for His Daughter
Reference: Mark 5:21–24, 35–43
Jairus begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Even after her death, Jesus raised her to life.
Takeaway: Faith-filled intercession can see life restored.
4. A Mother Contends for Her Daughter
Reference: Mark 7:24–30
A Gentile mother’s humble persistence led Jesus to deliver her daughter from a demon.
Takeaway: Humility and persistence move the heart of Christ.
5. A Father Cries, “Help My Unbelief!”
Reference: Mark 9:14–27
A desperate father asked Jesus to heal his son, admitting his struggle to believe. Jesus delivered the boy.
Takeaway: Honest prayer, even with doubt, is heard by Jesus.
6. Parents Bring Children for Blessing
References: Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17
Parents brought their children to Jesus. He welcomed, blessed, and affirmed them.
Takeaway: Interceding for the young is precious to Christ.
7. The Centurion’s Faith for His Servant
Reference: Luke 7:1–10
The centurion’s faith in Jesus’ authority brought healing to his servant from a distance.
Takeaway: Great faith trusts Jesus’ word alone.
8. Mary Intercedes at Cana
Reference: John 2:1–12
Mary brought a need to Jesus at a wedding. He turned water into wine, revealing His glory.
Takeaway: Jesus cares about practical needs too.
9. The Samaritan Woman’s Testimony
References: John 4:28–30, 39–42
Her testimony led many in her city to meet and believe in Jesus.
Takeaway: Sharing your story can be a form of intercession.
10. The Nobleman Implores Jesus for His Son
Reference: John 4:43–54
A royal official traveled from Capernaum to Cana to plead for his dying child. Jesus told him, “Go your way; your son lives.” The man believed the word and returned home to find his son healed at the exact hour Jesus had spoken. This led him and his whole household to believe.
Takeaway: Trusting Jesus’ word without visible proof brings life‑changing results.
11. Mary and Martha’s Grief Before the Tomb
References: John 11:32–45; 12:9–11
Mary and Martha poured out their grief to Jesus over Lazarus’ death. Deeply moved, Jesus prayed to the Father and called Lazarus from the tomb. Many believed because of this miracle, and Lazarus himself became a living testimony that drew others to Christ.
Takeaway: Intercession born of love and faith reveals God’s glory and multiplies belief.
12. Stephen’s Prayer and Saul’s Conversion
References: Acts 7:51–60; 8:1–3; 9:1–22
As he was being stoned, Stephen prayed, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” Saul, who approved of Stephen’s death and persecuted the church, later encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He was baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and began proclaiming Christ as the Son of God.
Takeaway: Jesus hears the prayers of His saints and can transform even His fiercest opponents into His servants.
Why Intercession Works Under the One Mediator
- Jesus’ mediation: Our prayers are effective because they are offered through Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom (1 Timothy 2:5–6).
- God’s saving desire: Intercession aligns with His will that all be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3–4).
- Faith on behalf of others: In Scripture, Jesus often responds to the faith and compassion of those who come for someone else.
- Wider impact: Intercession frequently overflows to households, cities, and communities with belief and blessing.
Practicing Intercession Today
- Be specific: Name the person and their need before Jesus.
- Stand on His word: Trust His authority; His word is enough.
- Persevere: Ask with humble persistence, like the Syro‑Phoenician mother.
- Bless the young: Bring children to Jesus in prayer for His touch and favor.
- Testify: Share what Jesus has done—your story can draw others to Him.
Simple Intercessory Prayer
Lord Jesus, one Mediator and Savior, You desire all to be saved and to know the truth. I bring before You [name/s]. In Your mercy, speak the word that heals, forgives, delivers, and blesses. Align my prayers with Your will, and reveal Your glory in their life. Amen.
FAQs on Intercession and the Mediator
What does the Bible say about interceding for others?
Scripture urges believers to pray and intercede for all people, resting on Jesus’ unique mediation (1 Timothy 2:1–7). The Gospels and Acts show numerous cases where Jesus responds to the pleas of others on behalf of those in need.
Who is the one Mediator between God and man?
Jesus Christ alone is the one Mediator, who gave Himself as a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:5–6). Our intercession is effective because it is offered through Him.
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