2 Corinthians 8:8–9: I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
Their giving was sacrificial. In what ways was Jesus rich? Certainly He was rich in His person, for He is eternal God. He is rich in His possessions and in His position as King of kings and Lord of lords. He is rich in His power, for He can do anything. Yet, in spite of the fact that He had all these riches—and more—He became poor. He laid aside all His possessions so that He did not even have a place to lay His head. His ultimate experience of poverty was when He was made sin for us on the cross. Hell is eternal poverty, and on the cross Jesus Christ became the poorest of the poor.
Why did He do it? That we might become rich! This suggests that we were poor before we met Jesus Christ, and we were—totally bankrupt. But now that we have trusted Him, we share in all of His riches! 1
Personal Application
- Read Romans 8:15-17. What do adopted children receive from their Father?
Godly Encouragement
- What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? –Romans 8:31
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
He became poor on earth so we could become rich in heaven. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for giving us the ultimate gift, the wealth of heaven because you adopted us on earth.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
