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Aug 08, 2025 06:00am

The Man Who Vouched for Me—and the Savior Who Still Does

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I never had a grandpa. Both of mine passed away before I was born. But when I married my husband, his grandpa—John Ward—welcomed me with open arms. From that moment on, he treated me like I was his own. Not only was he very kind to me, but he consistently asked about things going on in my life, and he always remembered to ask about it the next time we met. I have no doubt that he truly cared for me, but what made John special is that he treated everyone the same way.

In our small community, John was widely respected, and he carried a solid reputation. People knew he was a man of his word—someone who meant what he said and said what he meant.

The community was saddened when John passed away. At his funeral, I stood next to a man who had faced many personal struggles and had a troubled past. As we talked about what John meant to us, the man shared something powerful. He said John Ward’s kindness was the main reason he was still standing. John had believed in him and stood up for him when no one else would. Because John vouched for him, other people gave him a second chance when he needed it most. John had interceded for this man when he was struggling in life and just needed someone to believe in him.

John had spoken on his behalf and advocated for him. And because John was respected, his word was enough to get this man a second chance. His respected name became a bridge to grace and opportunity.

That’s what intercession is: pleading for someone’s favor and mercy.

John Ward was not a perfect man, just a good one. But there is one perfect man—Jesus Christ—Who now sits at the right hand of God, making intercession for His children.

Romans 8:4—Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Though Jesus completed the work of salvation on the cross, His compassionate care for His redeemed children will never end.

The fact that the Savior and Redeemer pleads my case in heaven is overwhelmingly humbling. Jesus Himself pleads my case in heaven, speaking on my behalf, vouching for me.

While Jesus vouches for believers, the devil hurls accusations. The Bible even refers to the devil as the accuser of the brethren. Satan loves to point out our failures, sins, and shortcomings, but Jesus stands in the way and speaks up for us. His perfect blood already paid the price for our failures, sins, and shortcomings, so the devil has no case.

Jesus is our mediator before God (1 Timothy 2:5), and He is an advocate for us (1 John 2:1), demonstrating that we are covered by His righteousness. When Satan accuses, Jesus intercedes, declaring that the debt is paid in full. We are no longer defined by our past, but by His grace.

John Ward’s earthly intercession helped change a man’s life.

If you believe in Jesus Christ by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), His heavenly intercession will change your life too.

Don’t you want the King of Heaven interceding for you, vouching for you, advocating for you? When no one else will give you a second chance, Jesus will.

Believe in Him today, and your life will be eternally changed.

Hebrews 7:25—Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.