Articles
Jesus, Our Advocate
Although the idea is not as prevalent as others that we typically discuss, Jesus is portrayed as an “advocate” on the behalf of Christians. “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” (1John 2:1). Of course, only “little children” (i.e. Christians) have this blessing. He is our Advocate in the time of our distress as brought on by sin. But what is an advocate?
Perhaps you have heard of a victim’s advocate? A victim’s advocate provides solace to those family members or friends who have lost a loved one. The individual provides a shoulder to cry on, reason in the midst of confusion, and attempts to direct the sufferings of the afflicted in a positive direction. This provides a base explanation of one aspect of Jesus as our advocate but it is not a perfect explanation. To complete this definition, we need an understanding of courtroom terminology. Merriam Webster helps define the word advocate through three definitions. Firstly, as “an individual who pleads the cause of another, specifically: one that pleads the cause of another before a tribunal or judicial court.” Secondly, as an individual who “defends or maintains a cause or proposal.” Thirdly, as “an individual who supports or promotes the interests of another.”
Each of Webster’s definitions emphasizes different roles. To begin with, advocates perform the role of intercession. Jesus is, as it were, our defense attorney before the Judge. He pleads our case before the Judge, defending against the accusations of the prosecutor, Satan. As such, He is our only hope to avoid prison. As an advocate Jesus also maintains the proposal He offered before all time, the salvation of mankind. He knew that we would need salvation to relinquish us from the guilt of sin. Despite our guilt, He provides and maintains our cause in light of His divine plan. This does not give us free rein to engage in all manner of sin; rather, it provides a way of escape if we do. In the same statement John calls us to avoid sin, but also promises us that Jesus will advocate on our behalf. Furthermore, Jesus acts as our victim’s advocate.
Jesus is our advocate. He provides all that we need to avoid eternal prison. He provides solace in times of affliction. He provides a defense we cannot issue on our own. He is the best defense against the prosecutor. Will you allow Him to defend and support you?
