Paul wrote, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake, He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). The inspired apostle was both reminding and encouraging the Corinthian Christians to give to the impoverished saints who lived in Jerusalem. The most powerful argument he provides centers around the grace shown to each one of us by Christ.
Christ showed us grace by leaving the riches of heaven. Jesus chose to leave the comforts and amenities that surround the throne of God. He was there from before the beginning, but willingly left glory that we cannot imagine, to give His life on the cross (Philippians 2:7).
Christ showed us grace by “becoming poor.” Not only did He leave the riches of heaven, He also humbled Himself while on the earth. He “took on the form of a bond-servant” (Philippians 2:7) and not a king. In death, Roman soldiers divided His humble possessions (Mark 2:24) and a disciple provided His tomb (Matthew 27:59-60).
Christ showed us grace for a reason. He had nothing to gain by leaving heaven, but chose to do so, “so that [we] through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). So that you and I might one day enjoy heaven, Christ lived and died as the greatest example of grace that the world has ever seen, and unlike each one of us, He had nothing to gain.
Matt Langfield