TOPIC: FOR YOUR SAKE
Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 23-25; John 16:16-33
“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.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9 (KJV)
Jesus is not a martyr that died for something He strongly believed in. He died for you! In His death, He took your place and paid a great price so that you can take His place.
The Bible says though Jesus was rich, He became poor. The word translated ‘poor’ means to become indigent i.e. a beggar, one who is destitute and in want or need of bare necessities. The truth is, Jesus was never in need in His earthly ministry. He was supernaturally catered for. When it was time to pay the temple tax, He told Peter, “… go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” Matthew 17:27(KJV). Jesus was never a beggar!
So, at what point did Jesus become poor? When did He beg for the basic things of life? It was at the cross. The Bible says in John 19:28-29 (KJV) in the final hours that led to His death, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a hyssop, and put it to His mouth.” He needed water, and He didn’t get it.
The Scriptures say that they tore His clothes and divided them among themselves; He needed clothing as He hung naked. All His disciples left Him, and He needed friends, company, and association. In death, Jesus lacked these basic things of life. He was the perfect picture of a poor person. He didn’t experience these things because He was helpless, He experienced them for you. It was a conscious decision He made to end the days of being in need and want in your life.
Our text says, “… though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor…” It was for YOUR SAKE that He became all that and more.
Therefore, it is an affront to the sacrifice of Jesus for anyone to think that God or Jesus wants us to be poor. We see His sacrifice and we say ‘Never to remain the same’ It doesn’t matter what religion, media or critics say.
Jesus didn’t become poor to prove any point other than what our text says, “… that you through His poverty MIGHT BECOME RICH.” Glory to God! Through the grace and sacrifice of Jesus, you become RICH.
It doesn’t matter how you came into Christ; realize that Jesus became poor for your sake and through the power of that sacrifice, you can become so rich and wealthy beyond your wildest imagination in Jesus name.
Prayer: Thank You Jesus for the great price that You paid on the cross for my sake.
Pastor Alfred Samuel