Mind the Gap预览

Jesus Intercedes For Us

In the same way that Jesus interceded for us when He died on the cross, He is still interceding for us every day.

In John 11, Martha shows an amazing understanding of Jesus' interceding position. Even though her brother has died, she knows that Jesus can still intercede for her family. "Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if only you had been there, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask'" (John 11:21-22, NLT). We can have the same confidence today.

When Jesus told his disciples how life would be after his death and resurrection, He assured them that He would never stop interceding for them. "At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy" (John 16:23-24, NLT). He is keeping his promise.

Jesus goes even further than interceding for us in heaven. He sent his Spirit to be with us all the time. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth" (John 14:16-17, NLT). Jesus does not wait for us to be in trouble before He intercedes for us. Through the Holy Spirit, He guides every step and brings our case before the Father before we even ask.

Let us praise God for the gift of intercession today. And share it with someone else! "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them" (1 Timothy 2:1, NLT).