The evil Accuser and the Divine Advocate

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” 1 John 2:1-2

• Jesus both a righteous Judge and Advocate

There’re different judiciary bodies where one can call to hear his case if he deems that he did not get a fair trial or judgment. If one has been judged guilty by the highest instance of the judiciary on earth, that person is an offender of the law. However, that same person can be found not guilty in God’s court despite his many crimes if he only believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.

The limitation of each court is that the judge or magistrate is unable to forgive offense for the offense has not been made against him but against the law. The judge’s role is to only apply rigorously and righteously the law, not to forgive offense.

However, Jesus is able to declare man not guilty because each sin made is a direct offense against Him(Mat. 9:6). So who will condemn His disciples? It is God who forgives and justifies.

When the woman caught in adultery was brought at Jesus feet to be stoned. The world and the law of Moses were against her. If Jesus was not God and did not wisely intervene, this woman would have died. Jesus pushed away the accusers and forgave that woman of her sins:“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”“No, Lord,” she said.And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” John 8:9-11

“Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 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.” Rom. 8:33-34

The book of revelation(20:13) states that the dead will be judged according to their deeds. People will need to give an account of every idle word they spoke(Mat. 12:36) and what they did. Without Jesus, they will need to face alone what has been recorded in the books.

In the parable of the vineyard, we see Jesus as a righteous judge who can show mercy as he pleased even if it seemed unfair to others. When others will protest at God’s act of mercy, He will stand firm to confirm His right to show grace.

• Jesus knows how to perfectly defend His followers against the devil’s accusation

The Pharisees looked for many opportunities to trap Jesus and his disciples but Jesus always stood as advocate of His followers.

For example, the Pharisees were indignant that the disciples did not follow traditions and religious ordinances. The disciples did not fast(Mat. 9:14), did not wash their hands (Mat 15:2) and harvested on the sabbath day. Jesus immediately stood as a defender of his disciples. Jesus knows the devil’s tactics and when the pharisees came to trap Him regarding Caesar’s tax, he responded wonderfully (Mat 22:18). When the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting our devils by Satan(Mat. 12:24), he asked a question which resembles this: “Your disciples also cast out evil spirit, so does it come from God or not? If it can come only from God, then it is impossible for someone to cast out devil by Satan’s power”

The only time the Great Divine Advocate did not respond to accusations was when he took our sins. Who would not have protested against an injustice if He was about to lose His life for crimes he did not do?

“But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” Pilate demanded. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor’s surprise.” Mat. 27:12

He was judged guilty by the judiciary of this earth but elevated to the highest place of honor by the Holy One of Heaven (Phil. 2:9).