What’s the difference between an intercessor and an advocate? ?

An intercessor is someone who pleads on behalf of another, particularly in a spiritual or relational context. In Hebrews 7:25, it states that Jesus is our intercessor before God, constantly advocating for us. An advocate, on the other hand, is someone who publicly supports or defends someone or something. In 1 John 2:1, Jesus is described as our advocate with the Father, meaning He defends us against accusations of sin and represents us before God.

The key distinction between the two roles lies in their focus and scope. An intercessor primarily focuses on making requests or petitions on behalf of others, while an advocate takes a more active role in defending or supporting them. Both roles involve speaking up for others and seeking their best interests, but an intercessor may focus more on seeking forgiveness or favor from a higher authority, while an advocate may focus on defending someone's rights or innocence. Ultimately, both intercessors and advocates play crucial roles in representing and supporting others in various contexts.