My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less

“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?)

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less