He Became Poor

He Became Poor

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him.

Matthew 5:3

Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven!

Luke 12:33

Has anyone asked you what you want for Christmas this year? Since we are asked this question from an early age, it is easy for Christmas to become all about getting rather than giving. Wouldn’t a better question to ask each other be, “What are you giving for Christmas?” Because giving is what Christmas is all about, and we see that when we look at what Jesus did in coming to earth.

Jesus is the one who made the universe. Everything is his. The glory and joy of heaven are his. He has power and privilege. He is rich in his relationship with his Father and the Spirit. Yet in coming to earth, he set it all aside. He gave up the riches of heaven to become poor on earth. And his poverty had a purpose: to make us rich. Not rich financially, but rich spiritually. Though he was rich, he became poor so that we can have the riches he let go of. What are those riches? The riches of an eternity in heaven with God, enjoying a satisfying, saving relationship with God.

It is seeing this generosity of Jesus that turns selfish people into joyful givers. We tend toward selfishness because we believe the lie that keeping more for ourselves will make us happy. But Jesus shows us that what will truly make us happy is to become generous givers—like he is.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What does it mean to be rich? What does it mean to be poor?

What are some of the ways the Son enjoyed being rich in heaven, and in what ways was he poor while on earth?

How does the generosity of Jesus make you want to be more generous this Christmas season?