In the book of Job, we see how a father in ancient times made offerings and interceded on behalf of his children. Read on to discover how Jesus perfected this act of intercession.
by rev. Daniël Myburgh
The book of Job tells the story of a believer who endured unimaginable suffering during his life on earth. Job is described as “blameless” and “upright”, and as someone who “feared God and shunned evil”. But still, he experienced great hardship. Tragedy entered his life, even though he deliberately avoided evil.
Job offers sacrifices for each of his children
In addition to being a sincere believer, Job was also a very wealthy man. Scripture tells us he had vast possessions and was “the greatest man among all the people of the East” (Job 1:3, NIV). But more than just a man of means, Job was a father.
Yet, he wasn’t just any father. In Job 1:4–5, we learn that Job treated his children in a remarkable way.
His sons and daughters regularly held feasts in their homes. The siblings would invite one another over to eat and drink together. After each of these celebrations, Job would summon his children and consecrate them. He would offer a burnt sacrifice for each one, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” (Job 1:5, NIV). We read that Job did this regularly—after every feast.
Job was a father who truly knew his children. He understood that they, like himself, were sinners and wouldn’t always act rightly. He was fully aware of their human nature, that they might not always live in a way that honoured God. And so, he acted pre-emptively, offering sacrifices to reconcile his children with God.
Priests brought sacrifices on behalf of the people
In the Old Testament era, priests held a unique and crucial role in society. They functioned as intermediaries between God and His people—representing God to the people and the people to God.
When someone sinned, they had to go to the priest at the temple. The priest would then offer a sacrifice on that person’s behalf to make things right with God.
Before the priesthood was formally instituted, however, it was the responsibility of the father in the household to offer sacrifices for his family. Typically, he would bring a lamb—without blemish—as a payment for the sins of his children. These offerings were symbolic acts of cleansing and atonement.
Sacrifices were accompanied by prayer
Naturally, such offerings were never done in isolation—they were acts of worship. The priest, or in earlier times the father, would also pray while offering the sacrifice. Job would have dedicated his children to the Lord in prayer as he made these burnt offerings. He would have pleaded for forgiveness on their behalf.
A God-fearing father is known not only for praying for himself—but also for interceding for his children. Because he knows the unique struggles and needs of each of them, an earthly father can intercede powerfully on their behalf.
No human can offer a perfect sacrifice
Even though Job was wealthy, successful, and a model believer, he was still only human. Like all of us, he was sinful and flawed.
That’s why our one true Father brought forth the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all His chosen children. He gave His beloved Son—Jesus Christ—to offer Himself as the spotless Lamb of God. Our only true High Priest, Jesus, made a final and complete offering to reconcile God’s children to their heavenly Father. By His blood on the cross, He cleanses and sanctifies each one of us.
And in His perfect love, Jesus continues to intercede for us before the Father. Alongside the Holy Spirit, He is our Advocate—constantly interceding for all believers. As Scripture says,
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25, NIV
A father who prays is a gift
If you are blessed with an earthly father who loves the Lord and serves as a model of true Christian faith, then you have much to be thankful for.
Praise the Lord for the father He has given you—someone who can guide you in your spiritual walk. Give thanks if you have seen your father (and your mother) praying for you and bringing your needs before God.
But above all—thank, praise, and glorify God because He is your perfect heavenly Father. Through Jesus Christ, He has brought you into a right relationship with Himself—fully, finally, and forever.
