Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession

The Bible repeatedly affirms that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. This phrase signifies His exaltation, power, and divine authority.

A. Key Scriptures

1. Mark 16:19 – This verse describes Jesus' ascension into heaven after His resurrection, indicating that He took His place of honor at God’s right hand.

2. Acts 2:33 –Peterr, in his sermon at Pentecost, highlights Jesus' exaltation as proof of His divinity and authority.

3. Hebrews 1:3 – This verse connects Jesus' exaltation with His work of atonement, emphasizing that His sacrificial mission was completed.

4. Colossians 3:1 –Paull encourages believers to focus on Christ’s authority and heavenly position.

B. The Meaning of Sitting at the Right Hand

      In biblical and ancient contexts, the "right hand" represents a place of honor, power, and authority. Kings would seat their most trusted advisors or co-rulers at their right hand, signifying their importance. In the case of Jesus:

● It signifies His sovereignty – Jesus reigns as King and Lord over all creation (Ephesians 1:20-22).

● It represents His completed work – Unlike Old Testament priests who continually offered sacrifices, Jesus' sacrifice was once for all, and He now sits in completion (Hebrews 10:12).

● It emphasizes His divine nature – Jesus shares in God’s authority, affirming His deity.

Jesus’ Role as Our Intercessor

      The Bible also teaches that Jesus intercedes for believers. His intercession is an ongoing work that benefits all who trust in Him.

A. What Does Intercession Mean?

      Intercession means to mediate, plead, or intervene on someone’s behalf. In a spiritual sense, Jesus acts as an advocate before God for His followers.

B. Key Scriptures on Jesus' Intercession

1. Romans 8:34 – “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

      Jesus not only died and rose again but is actively involved in advocating for believers.

2. Hebrews 7:25 – “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them.”

      Jesus’ intercession ensures the eternal security of those who come to God through Him.

3. 1 John 2:1 – “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

      Jesus defends believers before God when they stumble, emphasizing His role as an advocate.

C. The Purpose of Jesus’ Intercession

1. To Ensure Our Justification – Jesus’ death and resurrection justify believers, and His intercession maintains their standing before God (Romans 5:1).

2. To Provide Strength and Grace – Through His intercession, believers receive grace in times of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

3. To Protect Against Condemnation – Satan is described as the "accuser" (Revelation 12:10), but Jesus’ intercession nullifies any accusation against believers.

 The Significance of Jesus’ Intercession for Believers

      The fact that Jesus is interceding for us is a powerful source of encouragement and assurance.

A. Assurance of Salvation

● Jesus’ intercession guarantees that those who trust in Him will not be abandoned.

● He is our advocate before God, ensuring that our sins are forgiven (1 John 2:1-2).

B. Confidence in Prayer

● Because Jesus is interceding, we can boldly approach God's throne in prayer (Hebrews 4:16).

● Our prayers are heard, not because of our worthiness, but because Jesus presents them before the Father.

C. Encouragement in Trials

● Knowing that Jesus is interceding gives believers strength to endure hardships.

● Even when we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit also intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27), aligning our prayers with God's will.

D. Hope for the Future

● Jesus' exaltation at the right hand of the Father is a foretaste of the believer’s future glory.

● As He reigns, He prepares a place for His people (John 14:1-3).

Comparison with Old Testament Priestly Intercession

      In the Old Testament, priests served as mediators between God and the people. Jesus, however, is the perfect High Priest who:

● offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12).

● Does not need to offer repeated sacrifices (Hebrews 10:14).

● Lives forever to intercede (Hebrews 7:25).

      Whereas human priests were limited by sin and mortality, Jesus is sinless and eternal, making His intercession perfect and unending.

How Should Believers Respond?

A. Worship and Gratitude

      Since Jesus is interceding for us, we should live in gratitude, worshipping Him as our exalted King.

B. Faith and Trust

      Believers should trust in Jesus' ongoing work, knowing that He continually intercedes on their behalf.

C. A Life of Prayer

      Since Jesus prays for us, we should also develop a strong prayer life, bringing our concerns to God confidently.

D. Living in Holiness

      Jesus' intercession should motivate us to pursue holiness, knowing that He has made us righteous before God.

      Jesus’ position at the right hand of the Father and His intercession are central to the Christian faith. His exaltation confirms His divine authority, and His intercession ensures the security, justification, and sanctification of believers. Because He continually pleads on our behalf, we have the assurance of salvation, confidence in prayer, and strength in trials.

      This truth should fill believers with hope and inspire them to live lives of worship, trust, and holiness. Jesus is not distant or passive—He is actively interceding, advocating, and preparing a place for His followers, guaranteeing their eternal redemption.