How does Jonathan's defense of David reflect Christ's advocacy for believers? Jonathan’s Timely Intercession “Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, ‘Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not sinned against you, and his deeds have been very beneficial to you.’” (1 Samuel 19:4) Key Observations from 1 Samuel 19:4 • Jonathan steps between Saul’s anger and David’s life. • He “spoke well of David,” affirming David’s character and reminding Saul of David’s past victories for Israel. • He appeals to Saul’s conscience: “He has not sinned against you.” • He seeks to avert unjust bloodshed—an act of covenant loyalty and sacrificial love. Noticing the Gospel Echoes Jonathan’s actions paint a living illustration of Jesus’ advocacy: • Standing in the gap: just as Jonathan positions himself before the king, Jesus “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). • Defending the innocent—or, in our case, declaring the guilty righteous through His own merit: “If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” (1 John 2:1) • Appealing to past deliverance: Jonathan points to David’s victory over Goliath; Jesus points to the finished work of the cross (John 19:30). • Turning aside wrath: Jonathan restrains Saul; Jesus satisfies divine justice so we “are saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:9). Christ’s Perfect Advocacy • Mediator: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) • Permanent office: earthly princes die, but “He always lives to intercede” (Hebrews 7:25). • Personal involvement: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) • Righteous foundation: He advocates not by pleading our performance, but by presenting His own perfect righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Assurance for Today • Because Jesus pleads our case, no accusation can stand—“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus…is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34) • His advocacy is continual, not occasional; believers live under constant representation before the throne. • Knowing this, we serve with boldness, love, and gratitude, just as David continued to serve Saul after Jonathan’s defense (1 Samuel 19:7). |
    |