Our Ever Living Intercessor
A.W. Tozer explores the significance of Christ's intercessory role and its implications for believers in his sermon 'Our Ever Living Intercessor'.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of Christ's high priestly prayer in John 17:9, where Jesus states He prays specifically for His followers, not the world. Tozer clarifies that this does not imply Christ never prays for sinners, but rather highlights the context of His intercession as the High Priest who advocates for those who accept His atonement. He draws parallels to the Old Testament high priest, whose intercessions were limited to Israel, underscoring that Christ's prayer is for those who trust in Him. This sermon invites believers to understand the depth of Christ's intercession and the assurance it brings to those who are His own.
Text
Christ in His high priestly prayer specifically states, "I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me" (John 17:9). That is what He said; it only remains to learn by reverent comparison with other Scripture just what the words mean.
To insist that by these words Christ meant that He never prayed for sinners would be to read into the words more than is there. We must remember that these words were spoken in a particular context; the great High Priest was appearing before the throne of mercy as Advocate and Intercessor and could at that time include in His prayers only those who were His own.
When a high priest of the Old Testament appeared before the mercy seat to offer blood for the sins of Israel, his intercessions extended to Israel only. They were the only ones for whom that atonement was made. They were the only ones who trusted in Him and looked to Him for help. Christ came in fulfillment of the Old Testament type, and it may safely be assumed that the prayer of John 17 was made only for those who accept Christ's atonement and avail themselves of the protection it affords.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding Christ's High Priestly Role - The Context of His Prayer - The Significance of Intercession
- II points: - The Nature of Christ's Advocacy - Comparison with Old Testament Priests - Limitations of His Intercession
- III points: - The Assurance of His Prayers for Believers - The Call to Trust in His Atonement - The Importance of Accepting His Protection
Key Quotes
“I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me.” — A.W. Tozer
“The great High Priest was appearing before the throne of mercy as Advocate and Intercessor.” — A.W. Tozer
“It may safely be assumed that the prayer of John 17 was made only for those who accept Christ's atonement.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the importance of Christ's intercession in your daily life.
- Trust in the protection that comes from accepting Christ's atonement.
- Reflect on the context of Christ's prayers and how they apply to your faith journey.