Jesus Makes Intercession for Us: A Biblical and Theological Exploration
The concept of Jesus making intercession for believers is a profound and comforting truth woven throughout the tapestry of Scripture. Far from being a peripheral doctrine, the intercessory work of Jesus stands at the heart of the gospel’s assurance and hope. This article will explore the biblical foundations and theological significance of Jesus’ intercession, drawing from both Old and New Testaments. Through this exploration, we will see how Jesus’ ongoing ministry as intercessor secures the believer’s relationship with God and guarantees the efficacy of salvation.
Old Testament Foundations of Intercession
The idea of intercession is not unique to the New Testament; it has deep roots in the Old Testament, particularly in the roles of priests and prophets. The high priest, especially on the Day of Atonement, stood between God and the people, offering sacrifices and prayers on their behalf. Leviticus 16 describes the high priest entering the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of Israel, a vivid picture of mediation and intercession.
Moses, too, is portrayed as an intercessor. After Israel’s sin with the golden calf, Moses pleads with God on behalf of the people: “So Moses returned to the LORD and said, ‘Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin–but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.’” (Exodus 32:31-32) Here, Moses stands in the gap, willing to bear the consequences for his people, foreshadowing the ultimate intercessor to come.
The Old Testament also anticipates a greater priestly figure. Psalm 110:4 declares,
“The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.’” This messianic prophecy points forward to a priest whose intercession would be eternal and effective.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of Intercessory Roles
The New Testament presents Jesus as the fulfillment of these Old Testament types. He is both the great High Priest and the perfect Mediator between God and humanity. The Epistle to the Hebrews is especially rich in this theme, drawing explicit connections between Jesus and the priesthood of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 7:23-25 states: “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
This passage directly answers the question: Where does the Bible say Jesus lives to make intercession for us? The text affirms not only the fact of Jesus’ intercession but its ongoing, perpetual nature. Unlike the priests of old, Jesus’ priesthood is unending, and his intercession is ceaseless.
The Nature of Jesus’ Intercession
To intercede means to stand in the gap, to plead on behalf of another. Jesus’ intercession is not a passive or abstract concept; it is an active, ongoing ministry. Romans 8:34 provides further clarity: “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died–more than that, who was raised–who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”
Here, Paul situates Jesus’ intercessory work within the context of his death, resurrection, and exaltation. Jesus’ intercession is grounded in his finished work on the cross and his present position at the right hand of God.
The imagery of Jesus at God’s right hand is significant. In ancient cultures, the right hand was the place of honor and authority. Jesus’ position there signifies both his completed work and his ongoing advocacy for believers. As John writes, “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)
While the term “advocate” is used here, it is closely related to the concept of intercession–Jesus pleads our case before the Father.
Jesus’ Intercession and the Believer’s Assurance
The intercessory work of Jesus is not merely a theological abstraction; it has profound implications for the believer’s assurance and daily life. Because Jesus intercedes, believers can have confidence that their salvation is secure. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages believers to approach God with boldness: “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Jesus’ intercession is rooted in his perfect humanity and his sinless life. He understands the struggles and temptations of his people, and he brings their needs before the Father with perfect empathy and authority.
Jesus’ Intercession in the Gospel of John
Another key passage is found in Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17. While the word “intercession” is not explicitly used, the entire chapter is a record of Jesus praying for his disciples and for all who would believe in him through their message: “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.” (John 17:9)
Later, Jesus prays, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word.” (John 17:20)
This prayer demonstrates Jesus’ ongoing concern and advocacy for his followers. While this prayer was offered before his crucifixion, it reveals the heart of Jesus as an intercessor–a role he continues in his exalted lordship.
How Jesus Intercedes for Us
Jesus’ intercession is multifaceted. First, he intercedes by presenting his own sacrifice as the basis for our forgiveness. Hebrews 9:24 explains: “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.”
Jesus’ presence before the Father is itself a form of intercession; his wounds and his righteousness speak for us.
Second, Jesus intercedes by praying for his people. While the New Testament does not record every instance of Jesus praying for individual believers after his ascension, his high priestly prayer (John 17) and his words to Peter before the crucifixion are instructive. Jesus tells Peter, “But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” (Luke 22:32)
This shows that Jesus’ intercession includes specific prayers for the perseverance and faithfulness of his followers.
Third, Jesus intercedes by sending the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
The Spirit’s ministry is intimately connected to Jesus’ intercession, as the Spirit applies the benefits of Christ’s work to believers.
Jesus’ Intercession and the Believer’s Response
The reality of Jesus’ intercession calls for a response of faith, gratitude, and perseverance. Believers are invited to draw near to God, confident that their acceptance is based not on their own merit but on Jesus’ ongoing advocacy. As Hebrews 10:19-22 exhorts: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh… let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”
This assurance is grounded in the knowledge that Jesus, our great High Priest, is continually interceding for us.
Conclusion: Jesus is Making Intercession for Us
The intercessory work of Jesus is a central theme of both Old and New Testaments, fulfilling the types and shadows of the priesthood and providing the foundation for the believer’s assurance and hope. The Scriptures clearly teach that Jesus “always lives to make intercession” (Hebrews 7:25), that he is “at the right hand of God… interceding for us” (Romans 8:34), and that he is our advocate before the Father (1 John 2:1). His intercession is grounded in his finished work, his ongoing presence before the Father, and his deep empathy for his people. Because Jesus intercedes, believers can approach God with confidence, knowing that their salvation is secure and their needs are known. This truth calls us to rest in his finished work and to live lives marked by faith, gratitude, and perseverance.