Our Model Intercessor
Our Lord, as both High Priest and Son of man, intercedes for both His people and the lost world, withholding God's judgment from the earth.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes Jesus as our Model Intercessor, highlighting His unique role in praying for both sinners and the redeemed. He points out that Christ's prayer for forgiveness on the cross demonstrates His compassion for humanity, suggesting that if He prayed for sinners once, He continues to do so. Tozer explains that as the High Priest, Jesus intercedes effectively for those who believe in Him, while also praying for the lost world, which reflects His deep connection to humanity. This dual role of intercession underscores the importance of Christ's relationship with both the redeemed and the unsaved.
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Two other considerations may help us here. One is that our Lord did on at least one occasion pray for sinners. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," was a request made to God on behalf of evil men. Is it not reasonable that if Christ prayed for sinners once, He may be expected to pray for them again? Also we must remember that Jesus was a Son of man and frequently referred to Himself by that title. As such, He had and has a relationship to the whole human race. Is it thinkable that He would not pray for the race to which He belonged?
I realize that we are on holy ground right here, and common modesty would urge us to withhold any dogmatic judgments.
But I believe that the question, Does our Lord pray for the unsaved? may be answered truthfully as follows: (1) As High Priest of His own redeemed people, Christ prays an efficacious prayer of intercession which avails only for those who trust Him as their Redeemer and Lord. This prayer is found in essence in John 17. (2) As Son of man and Savior, He prays for the lost world as well. Unless His prayers for the world were ascending to heaven, the judgment of God would not be withheld for a moment from the earth.
Sermon Outline
- Our Lord's Intercession
- Our Lord's Intercession for the Lost
- As Son of man, Christ prays for the lost world
- His prayers withhold God's judgment from the earth
Key Quotes
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” — A.W. Tozer
“Unless His prayers for the world were ascending to heaven, the judgment of God would not be withheld for a moment from the earth” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We can trust in our Lord's intercession for us, knowing that He prays for those who trust Him as their Redeemer and Lord.
- We should pray for the lost, just as our Lord does, that they may come to know Him and be saved.
- Our Lord's intercession for the world reminds us of the importance of sharing the Gospel with those around us.