In John chapter 17 we find what is known as Jesus’ high priestly prayer. I used to find it difficult to understand the difference between a prophet’s and priest’s function until it was explained to me like this: “A prophet stands with his back to God and faces the people. He is God’s mouthpiece. The priest stands with his back to the people and pleads with God. He is our intercessor.”
An intercessor is literally one who entreats favor on behalf of another. Sometimes we sin and fall flat on our face. At those times, it easy to picture God scowling down at us, waiting for our next mistake. Yet, this is completely contrary to Biblical truth. Jesus is in heaven interceding for us. God who became flesh and was tempted just as we are is defending us. He is saying “This is my son or daughter whom I love. I have covered his sins with my blood. There is no condemnation.”
However, it is important we remember why we have no condemnation. We are free because the cost of sin was paid. Imagine Jesus as our high priest, seeing how great our debt of sin was and how incapable we were of paying for ourselves. Instead of condemning us, He takes off his precious stones, beautiful white linens, and other priestly garb, and declares that He, the high priest himself, will be sacrificed for our atonement. This is the God we serve. This is messiah who came for us. And this is the One interceding for us in heaven. There is no condemnation in Christ.
By John Smart
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