What does "though He was rich" reveal about Jesus' divine nature? Scripture Focus “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9 Setting the Verse in Context • Paul is urging the Corinthians to generosity by pointing to Christ’s own self-giving. • The phrase “though He was rich” anchors his argument in Jesus’ pre-incarnate glory. What “Rich” Says about Jesus’ Divine Nature • Eternal Possession: – John 1:1-3 “the Word was with God, and the Word was God … all things were made through Him.” – Colossians 1:16-17 “all things were created through Him and for Him … in Him all things hold together.” Jesus owns creation itself; His wealth is infinite, not acquired. • Sovereign Glory: – John 17:5 “Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.” – Hebrews 1:3 “He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature.” His “riches” are the shared glory, honor, and worship that belong to God alone. • Divine Self-Sufficiency: – Psalm 50:10-12 “Every beast of the forest is Mine … the cattle on a thousand hills … the world is Mine.” The Son lacks nothing; His riches reveal deity that depends on no created thing. Echoes in the Gospel Accounts • Authority over nature (Mark 4:39), disease (Luke 7:22), death (John 11:43-44) shows possession of unlimited resources. • Forgiving sin (Mark 2:5-7) exercises a prerogative solely God’s—an eternal wealth of mercy. Old Testament Foreshadows • Micah 5:2 prophesies One “whose origins are from of old, from ancient days.” • Isaiah 9:6 calls Him “Mighty God, Everlasting Father.” These titles presume “riches” of timeless existence and divine status. The Incarnation: Emptying without Losing Deity • Philippians 2:6-7 “Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself…” – He veiled His riches, taking on poverty of human flesh, yet remained fully God. – The kenosis is subtraction by addition: He adds humanity, hides majesty, but His divine nature stays intact. Why This Matters Today • Assurance: The One who purchased salvation owns all; His grace cannot run short. • Motivation: If infinite God could embrace poverty for us, no act of sacrificial love is beneath His followers. • Worship: Recognizing Jesus’ pre-incarnate riches calls forth awe and gratitude, fueling heartfelt generosity like Paul desired in Corinth. |
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