I AM
9TH DECEMBER 2020 | EMILY DEWAR
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
1 John 2:1
Anyone on trial for breaking the law would be silly to turn down an offer from the best lawyer in town to defend their case before a judge.
The word ‘advocate’ comes to mind when describing such a role. Like a barrister or a solicitor would, an advocate is someone who pleads another’s case, provides aid and intercedes. For those of you who like your Greek, advocate has been translated from the original word ‘parakleton.’
In today’s verse, John applies this ‘advocate’ title to Jesus. But why would Jesus be a legal representative?
Well, because each of us has broken God’s law. We have disobeyed and rejected his rule. Before God, we are all guilty of sin. And the punishment for sin is death. But God loved us so much that he didn’t leave us to defend ourselves.
When we were in need of help, Jesus came to our aid.
The Bible says that when we put our trust in Jesus, he becomes our advocate. He is the one who represents us. Before God the Father, the judge of all humankind, Jesus pleads our case.
By dying on the cross and rising three days later, Jesus took the punishment for sin that we all deserved. There is no better defence than saying the punishment is already fulfilled!
Jesus stands by our side, having already paid our debt and continues to defend us. Even when we are guilty of sin, his sacrifice is good once and for all. The demands of justice have been satisfied.
Thanks to Jesus, those who trust in him can be found ‘not guilty’ before God. He is our perfect advocate. There is no other god like ours who comes to the aid of His people.
As we continue to make mistakes and find ourselves guilty of sin, how will we respond? If Jesus is the only one who can plead our case before God, have you accepted his help?