“Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” — Isaiah 53:12 (NIV)

“For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Jesus not only lived and died for us, but He prays for us. His life and death were not just outward statements of fact, but they were pleas. Jesus was pleading with the Father to accept His offering on our behalf. He continues to plead with the Father for our spiritual well-being. His life and death are also pleas to humanity — pleas for humanity to repent and turn to the God who loves and redeems us. Jesus pleads with us to turn and to see God’s love expressed in His sacrifice. Jesus’ work of redemption is for everyone. He died for the sins of the whole world.

So, what does it mean that Jesus pleads for us and to us? Well, it means that we have the best defense attorney we could possibly have. Jesus has won our forgiveness in His death and resurrection and continually appears before the Father as our gracious substitute. We have been declared righteous in God’s sight. Jesus also pleads us to accept and understand this amazing gift. He sends His Holy Spirit into our hearts so that we might benefit from His gracious work.

Be comforted today knowing that Jesus pleads for you, and to you, continually.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church