“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9

Scripture reading: Luke 9:57-62

Mary and Joseph did not have the money or prestige to find a decent place for the baby to be born. Jesus’ birth is symbolic of the poverty into which He came. Mary’s baby is born in a stable. The scene in Bethlehem’s stable speaks of the poverty and humiliation of Jesus Christ. Mary lacks a bed on which to give birth. When the baby is born, they lack a cradle. The room was not sanitary. Jesus was not clothed in expensive baby clothes.

Poverty defined Jesus’ life. He later spoke about how He did not have a home. He said that the foxes have holes and birds have nests, but He had no place to lay His head.

The Apostle Paul provided a commentary of sorts on the Christmas story when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:9 that Christ became poor for our sakes. He states that through Jesus’ poverty it is possible for us to be rich. The grace of the Son of God towards us is evident in that He willingly gave up the glory that He enjoyed with the Father prior to the incarnation. The Son of God voluntarily became a poor man. Jesus became poor by taking over the debt we incurred by our sins.

Jesus was born into poverty to free us from the debt of our sins and to merit the riches of grace that are found in Him and the wealth to be enjoyed in the New World.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that you would not be caught up with the love of money. Pray that you would comprehend the riches that you possess in Jesus Christ and that you will enjoy those riches in the new world.

Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.