We have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (1 John 2:1)
Expanded Passage: 1 John 1:5—2:2
Recently a family member had to go to court to face serious criminal charges. The legal process was long and drawn out, expensive, and extremely bewildering. The language, forms, procedures, rules—the entire experience—was intimidating to those unfamiliar with the system. One lawyer told me that the process was the punishment. Thankfully, my relative had a competent lawyer to defend him. Our family had great confidence in the wisdom of this highly experienced trial attorney. The outcome was the best that could be anticipated.
John refers to Jesus as being our advocate, the one who speaks in the heavenly courtroom in our defense. Imagine, our defense attorney is the son of the Judge! He is, above all others, the most equipped, respected, capable person to plead on our behalf. The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus, at this very moment, is appearing for us in God’s presence (Heb. 9:24) and “always lives to intercede” for us (Heb. 7:25).
The One who understands the frailties and challenges of living in a fallen world is, on our behalf, willing to lovingly plead for mercy based on his own righteousness and sacrifice. As we humble ourselves, repent, and confess our need for God’s mercy, we are not alone. We have the Great Defender by our side. We neither deserve nor can afford such an advocate.
Thank Jesus for being your advocate.
Stephen Elliott serves as the national superintendent of The Wesleyan Church of Canada and program director of pastoral ministries and church planting degree programs at Kingswood University in New Brunswick. He and his wife, Helen, have three adult children.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
