Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
Have you ever wondered what you should do for Jesus? Sometimes, people who have been redeemed still worry about doing enough for God. But we never could. It’s hopeless. That is, it’s hopeless if we would have to give something to God in order to be redeemed.
So many true followers of Christ are stuck in a prison from which they have been freed.
Holy Spirit, help us accept that there is nothing we can ever do to merit grace. We simply thank you.
In today’s devotion, we are going to learn more about three lives that Jesus redeemed.
The first life we are encouraged by is one thief on the cross.
I love the conversation between Jesus and this suffering sinner. It reminds us that God still pursued the lost while His Son suffered to redeem them.
God never changes. He always loves. At the same time, He always has wrath for sin.
Now don’t forget, there were two thieves next to Jesus.
One, in his arrogance, mocked Jesus to the end. Luke 23:39 (CSB)
The other, in his humility and anguish, repented and gave his heart to God, by faith.
Luke 23:41 & 42 (CSB)
That was all he had to give. His faith and his heart.
His hands were nailed to a cross. What else could he do?
He received Jesus’ promise…
And he said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43 (CSB)
Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die1
People who truly believe express their thanks because they know what cost Jesus paid on their behalf.
Thankfulness–
That brings us to the to the next encounter with Jesus.
Ten lepers.
Leprosy was instant exclusion from family, the temple, work, and life.
One man was not only a leper. He was a Samaritan. 2
If redemption had a cost, the men couldn’t offer anything to Jesus. Their gift would be beyond reach – just like they were-untouchable.
Thankfully, our theme continues.
Redemption is free. Jesus only required faith.
All ten of them believed He could heal them.
So, they followed Christs’ instructions.
When he saw them, he told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going, they were cleansed.
Luke 17:14 (CSB)
Did you catch that?
Re-read the last sentence of the verse.
Because of their faith they trusted Jesus enough to walk away-Before they were healed.
They were still sick as they turned to walk away in obedience.
They were healed because they believed they would be, not because they gave Jesus money or offered Him anything.
And just a little something extra for you. Have you ever paid attention to the words of the Samaritan leper?
Remember, he is the only one to come back and thank Jesus.
Well, when all of the lepers first greeted Jesus, it was out of pure desperation.
The title they bestowed upon the Savior was “Master.”
At that point, they believed He was a good man. A teacher. One with authority. But did they believe He was the Messiah?
Notice when the one comes back. What does he say?
But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at his feet, thanking him. And he was a Samaritan.
Luke 17:15 & 16 (CSB)
That’s right. He fell at Jesus’ feet in worship. “Praise God!” Jesus was no longer just “master”. The leper received Jesus as His Savior and Lord.
(Read the whole story in Luke 17) (CSB)
Our final look at a life that had nothing to give is the poor widow. Let’s take a look.
He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
Luke 21:1-3 (CSB)
That verse sounds like she gave something. In fact, she gave everything she had.
The widow gave of her faith. She wasn’t giving to get salvation. She already had faith and believed.
Even though the widow needed charity herself, she believed God would use her small gift to help others.
God would take care of her. She didn’t give her mite to get anything in return; she gave because of her faith and love for God.
She trusted that God had always provided for her and always would.
Photo by Ken Carley
Now, the widow’s story has been corrupted by wicked, self-serving prosperity Gospel promoters.
These people have a mantra that we need to be wary of. “You’ve got to give to get.” That is a wicked philosophy. It is not pure in heart.
The Pharisees of Jesus’ day would have been on board with that slogan. Read more about the corrupt religious leaders stealing from widows. Mark 12:40. (CSB)
So now do you see?
We love Jesus because of everything He gave. That naturally makes true believers want to do something for Him.
We can’t buy our redemption; we can only give our lives to Him. We can love others and show our devotion.
Share this Gospel and tell people that God only asks for faith in Him.
All that God requires is this:
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation.
Romans 10:9 & 10 (CSB)
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10 (CSB)
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 
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