Jesus Pleads for You

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Romans 8:34

A few days ago, we noted the amazing truth that the very Spirit of God prays for us (vv. 26-27). Today we add to our amazement. In Romans 8:34, we see not only that Christ died for us and was raised for us, but also that, as he is sitting at the right hand of God, he is “pleading for us.” The verb translated here as “plead” is essentially the same verb applied earlier to the Holy Spirit.

This passage from Romans envisions a court of law, with God the Father as the judge. As we stand before the judge, there is no one to condemn us because Christ has taken our guilty verdict upon himself. But, even more wonderfully, he takes the role of our defense attorney, pleading for us with the divine judge. The Greek grammar makes clear the fact that this is not a one-time thing. Rather, Christ is continuously interceding for us.

You and I will never fully comprehend the wonder of the Trinity. We can only stand back and marvel at the fact that the triune God not only hears our prayers, but also prays for us. God is on our side, not in a passive way, waiting for us to ask for his help. Rather, God is actively seeking our best. The persons of the Trinity are working together for our good.

When I consider this truth, my heart is strengthened. My challenges seem less overwhelming. My defeats are revealed to be temporary. God is for me. Both the Holy Spirit and the Son are interceding for me. With the Triune God on my side, how can I fail to become everything God has designed me to be?

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you ever think of Jesus pleading for you with the Father? How does this thought impact you? How might your life be different today if you remembered that Christ is praying for you?

PRAYER: Gracious, holy, triune God, once again I am astonished by you. Not only do you hear my prayers, but also you pray for me. In the mystery of your triune communication, you are interceding for me.

Thank you, Lord, for this great encouragement. Thank you for being on my side. Thank you for being strong when I am weak. Thank you for helping me in ways I grasp, and in ways far beyond my comprehension.

Let me live today, Lord, with the assurance that you are both hearing my prayers and praying for me. Wow! Hallelujah! Amen.