“We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (2:1)
Here is a most wonderful word. This word advocate means one who pleads our cause. It is the very opposite of adversary, that is, of one who accuses. The picture conjured up is one of a court scene where one stands accused of foolishly and perhaps unwillingly committing a crime. There may be extenuating circumstances but he is guilty and cannot escape the inevitable punishment. The adversary demands justice and all his acquaintance cry out for him to be punished. Then, there is silence as another steps into the scene. He knows the person is guilty but admirably pleads his case. Then, as he reaches the climax, he offers to take the punishment instead. The accuser is stunned for a moment, but then with his supporters, they cry out, “Unfair.” “Silence”, orders the judge. “The advocate will bear the punishment; the guilty accused is now free.” The drama is intense but wonderfully demonstrates the work, and indeed ongoing work, of Christ Jesus, our Advocate. The word in Greek is ‘paraclesis’, meaning to come alongside and comfort. What an incredible comfort to know that all our past sins have been borne by Christ Jesus and that he has taken our punishment. And, should we sin again, we still have an advocate with the Father, Christ Jesus, the righteous.
PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you for your amazing advocacy on my behalf. What can I do but praise and bless you.”