2 Corinthians 8:9–The Grace of Christ For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. This chapter contains encouragement for believers to be generous in their givings. It is our privilege as Christians to help maintain a gospel ministry in our midst but also to provide relief for poor saints in less-favoured parts of the world. There are many who love the Lord Jesus Christ who suffer poverty and persecution and we may be able to help them in practical ways. In writing to the Corinthians the apostle Paul extols the liberality of the believers in the Macedonian churches towards their brethren. He attributes this kindness and willingness to the grace of God (v.1). But if this example of giving was admirable, then there was another example that was truly remarkable. “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he says. What grace! Abounding grace, condescending grace, saving grace! There is no greater example of giving in order that others might receive. The relation between God and mankind, especially since the fall, is in many ways like that between a king and his subjects as is sometimes seen in this world. It is a distant sort of relationship. The king is usually in a fine palace and his subjects are often in humble homes and they may never meet. The king issues his decrees and it is the duty of the people to obey without question. There is no friendship or fellowship. But in the case of God and man the King has done something wonderful. In love He has sent His Prince to bring needy souls into a new and happy relation with Himself. In this text we learn of Christ’s riches. “Though he was rich.” This refers to His divine glory. He is the only begotten Son of God, possessing all the attributes of deity. His dwelling was “the ivory palaces” of perfect blessedness (Psa.45:8). He brought the universe into being. He was the Lord of all creation and the Heir of all things. He was the darling of heaven, adored by the holy angels. This was His home from all eternity. Next we find our poverty. This is not stated directly in our text but it is certainly implied. The Bible is very clear that Adam’s sin and fall brought him and all his descendants from a pure state into a sinful and miserable state. In him we all became guilty, naked and corrupt and were put out of our proper home. We cannot buy our way back. God’s elect people share this tragic condition with the rest of mankind, for they are “by nature the children of wrath, even as others” (Eph.2:3). Then we are told of Christ’s poverty. “He became poor.” The Son of God put off the “regalia of royalty” as He came into this world of sin, assuming our manhood. He laid aside His divine glory, although not His actual divinity. He did not lose the mighty attributes of His Godhood, though these were hidden to the natural eye when He walked this earth as the man Christ Jesus. The “poverty” of our blessed Saviour was His entering into His state of humiliation, from His conception in Mary’s womb to His burial in Joseph’s tomb. His incarnation meant two significant things. As man He was dependent upon God’s help. “I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly” (Psa.22:10). As Messiah He was obedient to God’s will. “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death” (Phil.2:8). Oh, think of it! The Lord of glory was mocked, buffeted and crucified in shame. Yet He came willingly. It was “for your sakes” – you who believe. Finally we see our riches. Christ’s descent into the depths of personal poverty (and His rising again) was for a great reason. It was that sinners of mankind might be made truly rich. He finds us as paupers, clothed in rags, lying in the filthy ditch of our sins. In the gospel of His grace He lifts us up, washes us clean in His blood and clothes us with His righteousness. But there is more. He introduces us to the friendship of God. He takes us into the palace of the King and sets us with “the princes of his people” (Psa.113:8)! Friend, your spiritual poverty as a sinner before a holy God is very great. But see the marvellous grace of God is sending His own dear Son to bless sinners with everlasting wealth. Confess your sin to God and put your trust in this great Prince of salvation, Jesus Christ.