Why Is Jesus Called Our Helper In The New Testament?
Understanding Jesus as Our Helper in the New Testament
The New Testament offers a rich tapestry of names and titles for Jesus, each revealing a unique aspect of His character and work. One significant, though sometimes less emphasized, title is “Helper.” But what does it mean for Jesus to be our Helper, and how does this shape our understanding of His relationship with believers? Let's explore this concept through Scripture, focusing on Jesus’ role as Helper and its implications for our faith and daily lives.
1. The Meaning of “Helper” in Scripture
The Greek word often translated “Helper” in the New Testament is paraklētos, meaning “one called alongside to help, comfort, or advocate.” While this word is primarily used of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16 ASV), Jesus Himself is also described as an advocate or Helper. The concept of divine help is rooted deeply in the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment and clarity in the person and work of Jesus.
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever. - John 14:16 ASV
Here, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “another Comforter (Helper),” implying that He Himself is the first Helper to His disciples, and the Spirit continues this ministry in His physical absence.
2. Jesus as Our Advocate (Helper) Before the Father
A key passage explicitly calling Jesus our Helper is found in the writings of John:
My little children, these things write I unto you that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. - 1 John 2:1 ASV
The word “Advocate” here is the same Greek word, paraklētos. Jesus is our Helper before the Father, interceding for us when we sin and ensuring our continued acceptance through His righteousness. This highlights both His ongoing ministry and His sufficiency as our Savior.
3. Jesus’ Earthly Ministry: The Perfect Helper
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently acts as Helper—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, and forgiving sinners. He invites all who are weary to find rest in Him:
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28 ASV
His help is not temporary or superficial but addresses our deepest spiritual and physical needs.
4. The Helper’s Sacrifice: Salvation by Grace
Jesus’ greatest act of help was His sacrificial death and resurrection, making a way for salvation. Scripture emphasizes that salvation is a free gift, not earned by works but given by grace through faith:
For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV
As our Helper, Jesus did for us what we could never accomplish on our own—He bore our sin and provided eternal life.
5. The Ongoing Help of Jesus
Even now, Jesus continues to help and intercede for believers:
He ever liveth to make intercession for them. - Hebrews 7:25 ASV
This means that Jesus’ help is not confined to His earthly ministry but extends into His present heavenly work, ensuring our security and growth in faith.
6. The Relationship Between Jesus and the Holy Spirit as Helpers
While Jesus is our Helper in a unique, redemptive sense, the Holy Spirit also helps believers by guiding, teaching, and empowering them for godly living (John 16:7 ASV). Together, the ministry of Jesus and the Spirit guarantees that believers are never alone in their journey of faith.
Conclusion: Why Is Jesus Called Our Helper?
Jesus is called our Helper because He meets our deepest spiritual needs, advocates for us before the Father, and continues to support and sustain us throughout our lives. His help is gracious, powerful, and ever-present, assuring believers of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.