JESUS THE ADVOCATE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 John 2:1
Key Verse: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” – 1 John 2:1
Supporting Texts: Romans 8:33-34; Hebrews 7:25; Isaiah 53:12; John 17:9; 1 Timothy 2:5
INTRODUCTION:
The word Advocate refers to one who stands in defence of another, especially in a court of law. Spiritually, Jesus Christ serves as the Advocate of all believers; pleading our cause before the righteous Judge, the Father. Through His atoning sacrifice and intercession, He defends us against the accusations of the enemy.
When sin or weakness attempts to condemn us, Jesus steps in as our defender, not excusing our sins but presenting His righteousness as our covering. His advocacy is not based on our merit but on His finished work on the cross. The blood of Jesus speaks better things than the voice of condemnation.
Understanding Jesus as our Advocate brings great comfort. It reassures us that we are not alone in the battles of life or in our spiritual struggles. Whenever Satan accuses, Jesus intercedes. Whenever guilt arises, His grace abounds. He is the eternal voice of mercy at the throne of justice.
1. JESUS OUR ADVOCATE BEFORE THE FATHER
Jesus stands as our representative before the Almighty Father, defending us daily in the heavenly courts. His advocacy assures us of forgiveness, grace, and restoration whenever we fall.
a) His Intercession is Continual (Hebrews 7:25): Jesus lives forever to make intercession for all who come to God through Him. His advocacy is unending and effective.
b) His Blood Speaks for Us (Hebrews 12:24): The blood of Jesus cries for mercy and reconciliation, not vengeance. It cancels the voice of every accusation against us.
c) His Righteousness Covers Us (2 Corinthians 5:21): He became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God. The Father sees us through the perfection of His Son.
d) His Sacrifice Justifies Us (Romans 5:9): We are justified by His blood, acquitted from all guilt. Our Advocate has paid the full price for our redemption.
Biblical Example: The story of Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3:1-4). When Satan accused Joshua before God, the Lord rebuked Satan and replaced Joshua’s filthy garments with clean ones, symbolising the righteousness of Christ that covers us.
2. JESUS OUR DEFENDER AGAINST THE ACCUSER
The devil is called “the accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10), but Jesus stands to silence his accusations and protect us from condemnation.
a) The Enemy Accuses, but Jesus Defends (Job 1:9-11): Satan constantly seeks to discredit believers before God, yet Jesus nullifies every charge by His blood.
b) The Advocate Counters Every Condemnation (Romans 8:1): In Christ, there is no condemnation. The enemy’s voice cannot override the Advocate’s declaration of freedom.
c) The Word and the Blood Are Our Defence (Revelation 12:11): We overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Jesus’ defence empowers us to stand boldly.
d) Jesus Restores Our Confidence Before God (Hebrews 4:16): Because of His advocacy, we can approach the throne of grace boldly to obtain mercy in times of need.
Biblical Example: Peter’s denial (Luke 22:31-32). Jesus told Peter that Satan desired to sift him as wheat, but He had prayed for him. Though Peter fell, the prayer of Jesus restored him.
3. JESUS OUR MEDIATOR OF GRACE AND MERCY
Jesus bridges the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. Through His advocacy, grace flows continually to the believer.
a) He Reconciles Us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19): By His sacrifice, Jesus ended the enmity between God and man and made peace through the cross.
b) He Pleads Mercy over Judgement (James 2:13): Jesus ensures that mercy triumphs over judgement. His compassion keeps us standing even when we deserve punishment.
c) He Speaks on Behalf of the Weak (Romans 8:26-27): Through the Holy Spirit, He translates our groanings and weakness into effective intercession before the Father.
d) He Upholds Us in Our Trials (Isaiah 41:10): The Advocate strengthens and sustains us when we face accusation or condemnation from men or the enemy.
Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). While others condemned her, Jesus interceded with mercy, saying, “Neither do I condemn thee; go and sin no more.”
4. JESUS OUR ADVOCATE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR COMFORTER
The ministry of advocacy continues through the Holy Spirit, who represents Christ within us and helps us walk in righteousness.
a) The Holy Spirit Carries on Christ’s Advocacy (John 14:16): Jesus promised another Advocate (the Holy Spirit) who would abide with us forever, guiding and defending us daily.
b) The Spirit Reminds Us of Jesus’ Words (John 14:26): The Advocate within us teaches and reminds us of the truths that strengthen our faith.
c) The Spirit Intercedes in Us (Romans 8:26): When we do not know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words.
d) The Spirit Testifies That We Belong to God (Romans 8:16): The Advocate within assures us of our salvation and divine acceptance.
Biblical Example: Stephen before the council (Acts 7:55-60). Full of the Holy Spirit, he stood firm, seeing Jesus standing at God’s right hand, his Advocate even in the face of death.
CONCLUSION:
Jesus, our heavenly Advocate, continually pleads for us before the Father. His voice of mercy silences the voice of accusation. Whenever we stumble, He does not abandon us but calls us to repentance and restoration.
Let every believer rest in this truth: you are not standing alone before the judgement seat of God. Your case is in the hands of the righteous Advocate, Jesus Christ. Trust His intercession, live in gratitude, and extend that same mercy to others.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Advocate and defender.
2. Father, let the voice of Jesus’ blood speak louder than every accusation against me.
3. Lord, silence every satanic accuser speaking against my life.
4. Jesus, intercede for me in areas where I have failed.
5. Father, justify me by the righteousness of Christ.
6. Let Your mercy triumph over every judgement against me.
7. Holy Spirit, help me to walk in the assurance of my redemption.
8. Lord, turn every accusation into a testimony of Your grace.
9. I refuse to live under condemnation; I embrace divine forgiveness.
10. Jesus, continue to speak for me before the Father all the days of my life.
