Jesus as Our Advocate
The judge’s black robes swirled about him as he purposefully took his place behind the bench. The clerk announced that court was in session and a flurry of movement followed as seats were taken. The defendant was ordered to rise while the charges against him were read. He looked a little bewildered and uncertain as the everyday process of justice unfolded around him. No doubt he was confused. He was totally unfamiliar with the proceedings. Most disturbingly, he was the centre of attention. His discomfort increased as he sensed every eye in the courtroom registering his awkward movements in this unfamiliar territory. After what seemed like an eternity, he was asked if he had legal counsel. When he indicated that he had a lawyer, attention suddenly shifted. Now his lawyer was on his feet, answering questions. The defendant relaxed a little as eyes turned to the one who was answering for him.
If ever there is a place where you need a friend, it is in court. The structure and formality are intimidating. Everyday conversational style is unacceptable when answering questions. Joking is out of the question. Guesses at answers will get you into trouble, especially if you change your mind later. Above all, depending on the kind of charges you are facing, there is the serious nature of the unfolding events. Fines and jail-time are no laughing matter.
In his first letter, the apostle John identifies Jesus as our Advocate. It is the only occasion in the Bible where this connection is made. It reads like this: “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1John 2:1]
While this is the only occasion where the word “advocate” is used of the Lord Jesus, the idea is present in other verses like Romans 8:27 “Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” A few verses later we find the same idea: “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” [Romans 8:34] The author of the letter to the Hebrews also referred to this ongoing role of Jesus as Advocate when he wrote: “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” [Heb 7:25]
As our Advocate with the Father, Jesus speaks up for us. We might wonder why this would be necessary. Revelation 12:10 provides the answer. John wrote: “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.’” It seems that Satan loves to come before God all the time to complain about us. Perhaps this is something like what we read about in the Old Testament book of Job.
I picture it this way. As Satan points out my sin and weaknesses to God, the Lord Jesus steps up to the throne of God and says something like: “It’s all true, Father. He did that and it was wrong. But I died for that sin and he is trusting in my blood to wash away his guilt.” Then God, the Father, reminds Satan that while my sin once placed me under his control, by faith I have moved from darkness to light, from death to life, from the power of darkness into the kingdom of the Son of God’s love.
When I think of Jesus as Advocate or Intercessor, I am humbled. He died for my sin at Calvary, yet because I keep sinning and Satan keeps accusing, Jesus has a full-time job, as it were, representing me before the throne of God. This has a positive effect on me, as John suggested in the first verse we looked at. Remember, he wrote: “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1John 2:1] John’s intention in writing his letter was to keep us from sinning, but knowing that we would fall repeatedly over the course of our Christian life, he gave us hope by reminding us of the One who is at the Father’s right hand, representing us, and speaking on our behalf when the accuser steps forward to disturb our fellowship with the Father.
Ron Hughes
© July 2006
