The patriarch Job was called upon to suffer greatly. He lost his wealth, his children, his health, and the support of his wife and friends. While undergoing this great suffering, Job asked questions and expressed needs that, for the most part, went unanswered in his life. However, from our vantage point, we can see that Jesus answers all of these needs for Job, and for us as well.

The Cry for a Mediator. "For He is not a man, as I am, that I may answer Him, and that we should go to court together. Nor is there any mediator between us, who may lay his hand on us both" (Job 9:32-33). Job's friends insisted he was suffering because of his great sin. Job knew he was innocent, but he had no way of pleading his case before God. He felt the need for someone to stand between himself and God.

Jesus is this Mediator. "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. Because He was tempted as we are, He is willing and able to help us in our time of need (Heb. 2:17-18; 4:14-16; 7:25). When we sin, Jesus is our Advocate who approaches God on our behalf, securing our pardon (1 John 2:1-2).

The Assurance of Life After Death. In his sorrow, Job asked, "If a man dies, shall he live again?" (Job 14:14). Job had to face his mortality. Is life on this earth the extent of man's existence, or is there something more?

Jesus not only answers this question, He is the answer to this question. "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?'" (John 11:25-26).

Is God Still There? "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" (Job 19:25-27). Even though God was not immediately answering his pleas, Job had faith that God existed, that he would see God, and that God would finally vindicate him.

Jesus is our Redeemer. He lives, and we shall see Him one day. Just like Job, we are "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works" (Titus 2:13-14).

Where Can I Find God? Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, told him to "acquaint yourself with Him... return to the Almighty" (Job 22:21, 23). Job replied, "Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat!" (Job 23:3). Man has always been aware of the existence of God, but has not always known where to find Him.

God is found in Jesus. He is "the image of the invisible God" (Col. 1:15). It is through Jesus that we can see the holiness, righteousness, wisdom, authority, patience, compassion, mercy and love of God.

Jesus is also the only pathway to God. "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.' Philip said to Him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, "Show us the Father?"'" (John 14:6-9).

The book of Job was written and preserved for us. While we may never be called upon to suffer as much as Job suffered, we all have the same needs that Job expressed in his suffering. As far as we know, Job never got the answers to all of his requests. However, with the complete revelation found in God's word, we know that Jesus provides all these needs for us today.