But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

   Anyone who finds themselves in a tight legal spot wants the best available lawyer to represent them. In today's verses, John uses the Greek word parakletos to call Jesus our lawyer.

   In the ancient world, a parakletos was an advocate who pleaded a defendant's cause before a judge. In his gospel account, John uses this word often to describe the Holy Spirit's role in the believer's life (see John 14-16). John uses it here, however, to describe Jesus as the counsel for our defense, our legal representative, our advocate before God the Father, judge of all humankind.

   Because each of us has broken God's holy law, we stand guilty and condemned. But God loved us so much that he provided an advocate for us. Jesus, our advocate, is not swayed by personal interests. He is righteous and blameless and has made us right with the Judge of the universe.

   Because of what our righteous advocate accomplished for us—through his death, resurrection, and ascension—we are now credited with his righteousness before God.

   Jesus will ceaselessly continue to advocate for us. When you stumble today, take comfort in your advocate, the Lord Jesus, and in his mercy that never fails.

Prayer: Jesus, our advocate before the Father, help us in gratitude and in humility to bend to your will today. Help us to honor you in a world that needs to receive your grace. Amen.