My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
John wants to prevent even one sinful event in the lives of those he loves and those who seek to honor Jesus. He is concerned because he knows that even one sinful event can be used by Satan to discourage and defeat us and hurt those we influence. We need to know that we have a Savior and a defender. This Savior, this Defender, paid the price to redeem us. He sent his Spirit to help us overcome sin's power. He is our intercessor who will speak to the Father and claim that right to forgive us and make us holy and make us his!
My Prayer...
Father, I'm embarrassed by my weakness and vulnerability to sin. Even in those moments of shame, I'm thankful that Jesus provided me the way back into your holy presence. Jesus, I thank you for coming to my rescue and my defense. I will not let Satan discourage me when I trip, stumble, and fall. Instead, I re-commit myself to live with your character and for your glory. In your name, Lord Jesus, my righteous defender, I pray. Amen.
"A meeting with the elders was called [after the soldiers told them Jesus' tomb was empty], and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They....."
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