Bible Questions and Answers

2 Corinthians 8:9 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.

Jesus was never rich in material possessions. He was rich in terms of spiritual treasure; he had the key to eternal life. Nothing in this world is as valuable as eternal life.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Jesus became poor when he became an itinerant preacher of the gospel of the kingdom of God, having no fixed abode.

Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

He travelled about relying upon others for sustenance.

Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

The man who was to betray him had charge of the bag containing any money that people gave him. Out of that bag, it was Jesus’ practice to donate to the poor.

John 13:29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

After 3.1/2 years preaching he gave all that he had left to give – his life. When he was crucified his worldly possessions were divided among the four soldiers charged with his crucifixion.

Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

Paul followed Jesus’ example.

2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

He preached the gospel ‘the unsearchable riches of Christ’ without charge.

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

In conclusion: Christ was spiritually rich and became materially poor to preach the gospel. He sacrificed his life in order to enrich others. At the appointed time he will return from heaven to raise from the dead those who believe and obey the gospel and give them eternal life in the kingdom of God.

I hope you have found this helpful.

May God bless you,
Glenn,