Rich Through His Poverty

“Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, 

so that you through His poverty might become rich.” 

2 Corinthians 8:9 

Jesus had all the riches of heaven—glory, power, and perfect fellowship with the Father. Yet He chose to become poor for us. He was born in a stable, lived without wealth, and died on a cross. Why? So that we, in our spiritual poverty, might be made rich with His grace. Paul calls this the great exchange—Christ took our emptiness and gave us His fullness (Philippians 2:6–7; Ephesians 3:8).

Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “He became poor in order to make us rich. If He had remained upon His throne of glory and we had continued in the ruins of the fall, communion would have been impossible.” Just as a wealthy person must share to truly connect with someone in need, Jesus shared everything with us—His mercy, His righteousness, His Spirit—so we could be in relationship with Him. His poverty opened the door for our adoption into God’s family (Romans 8:17).

Now, having received so much, we are called to follow His example. We give not to earn God’s love, but because we’ve already received it. John Stott said, “The essence of love is self-giving.” Let Christ’s generous love shape how we live—open-hearted, willing to serve, and quick to share with others. That’s the true meaning of being rich in Christ.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving up everything to make us rich in grace. Help us to live with open hands, generous hearts, and deep gratitude. Amen.