My Hope is Built on Nothing Less

Last updated on: February 28, 2020 at 11:38 am by Matt Pearson

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less 2020-02-28T11:38:43-05:00 Matt Pearson

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.” Luke 23:25

“We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:41

Sing it with me: “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness!“Â

Have you ever noticed the “and” in that line? Edward Mote thought it important to write that we needed both the blood and righteousness of Jesus. If Ed were to ask you why you needed Jesus, and if your only response was, “the forgiveness of my sins,” he wouldn’t have been satisfied. Mr. Mote would have said, “AND????” Being forgiven of sins is wonderful and glorious and needed and true. It is breathtaking. But it’s not all there is to it. We didn’t “just” need Jesus to die for our sins. We need Jesus also to have been completely obedient. Righteous. Having our sins forgiven is critical. But those who are in the presence of God not only don’t have any sins – they have been completely obedient in every respect. Having no sin is just half-way perfect. Having no sin AND being totally obedient puts us all the way perfect.Â

Luke helps us see this during Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. On the one hand you have Barabbas – the one who was guilty yet released. On the other hand you have one of the criminals next to Jesus on the cross – the one who sees Jesus’ innocence. Barabbas was released, though guilty. Jesus took the punishment Barabbas deserved, while Barabbas went free. Sins forgiven. The criminal next to Jesus understood Him to have done nothing wrong. Righteous. Jesus obeyed God fully, even to the point of death.

Do you see what Luke is doing? He’s “preaching” the whole Gospel while he recounts the events surrounding Jesus’ death. Two wicked criminals are used to help us see our need, just as they saw theirs. Jesus took Barabbas’ punishment (forgiveness of sins) and obeyed the Father completely, as recognized by one of the criminals being hanged next to Jesus.

Ole Ed was right. Our hope really is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

When was the last time you pondered both of these realities? Let yourself go there. Put yourself in Barabbas’ shoes. Imagine yourself being released for crimes you are totally guilty of, while the One who is guiltless takes on your punishment. What do you want to say to Jesus? How does this impact your life, today? Now ponder the fact that Jesus “has done nothing wrong.” He obeyed God fully. Nothing to be added to His obedience. One thousand percent righteous. That record of obedience has been transferred to you. God now sees YOU as forgiven and perfect. What do you want to say to Jesus? How does knowing this impact your life, today?

I dare you. . . double dog dare you . . . not to trust the sweetest frame; but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. (See what I did there?)

Biblical Reflections

Devotions

Previous Post

February 27, 2020

West Franklin Talks - Episode #4 Link Mentioned

Next Post

March 5, 2020 Barabbas - 20 Questions

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Biblical Reflections Devotions Fridays are For Illustrations General Challenge General Preaching Resources Letters to West Franklin Preparing to Preach Table Talk Questions The Preaching Event Top Ten Quotes Uncategorized West Franklin West Franklin Talks

Select a Month March 2023 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

How did Nehemiah respond to threats and ridicule while rebuilding the wall?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Gave up Bribed enemies Prayed and posted guards Fled Jerusalem