What is the definition of an advocate? It essentially means this: it is an individual who actively supports and promotes the interest of another person or enterprise. Such person works tirelessly for the good of the one they represent. The Bible teaches that Jesus serves this role for his people before the Father in heaven. John writes (1 Jn 2:1), “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” The Greek word used in this verse for “advocate” (παράκλητος) is, “paraklētos” which means, “an intercessor consoler, comforter.”
How is Jesus able to be an advocate for his people? How is our immortal God able to relate to his mortal created beings? First, we must remember that Jesus was fully God and fully human (Col 2:9). He is Living Word of God who came down to be with us (Emmanuel). John writes in his Gospel (Jn 1:14), “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus has experienced the fullness of our humanity (with the exception of sin). For example:
- He experienced hunger as we do (Lk 4:1-2).
- He was tempted by the devil as we are. He experienced the full power of sin upon his humanity when Satan confronted him, yet he did not sin (Lk 4:1-12).
- He got thirsty as we do (Jn 4:7).
- He experienced being weary (Mk 4:38, Lk 23:26)
- He experienced anger (Jn 2:13-17).
- He experienced sorrow (Jn 11:35)
Then, he demonstrated the ultimate expression of sacrificial love for dying for what he loved (that is God’s people). Therefore, He is our perfect advocate before the Father as he has shared in our humanity. He is our Great High Priest that removed the curse of sin and death that rested on man as result of his work on the cross and the resurrection. Therefore, he stands ready to help all those who call upon him. He understands entirely what we go through, for he suffered in the same ways we have, yet without sin.
My friends, let us come daily to him before his throne of grace and receive his help in our time of need. It is for this very reason Jesus lives for, is to help his people. He will never abandon this position in our lives. He will never stop doing it until he returns again. Hebrew writers rightly declare of him (Heb 7:24-25), “but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. (25) Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Thank Jesus every day, for He is for his people, not against. Amen!
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com