Yesterday we noted that Paul held up two examples of generous giving to the Corinthians. The first were the churches in Macedonia who had given, even though they couldn’t “afford it.”

Then there was the second example. It’s kind of a joke, but you can answer “Jesus” to any question in Sunday School, and you have a 50-50 chance of being right. So, what is the BEST example of generosity ever? That’s right—Jesus! Paul writes this: “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 through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

What do you mean, Paul? How was Jesus rich and then become poor? One of the most ancient “hymns” in Christianity is what we find in Philippians 2:5-11. It’s familiar but read it anyway. The Son of God set aside all the privileges that were his to become the lowliest of the low. And to die on a Roman cross. For you and me and the whole world. (The fancy theological word for this is kenosis—“emptying.”)

But how have we become rich? Linda Belleville in her commentary on 2 Corinthians notes this: “No fewer than eight riches have been mentioned thus far in the letter: the down payment of the Spirit (1:22; 5:5), daily renewal (4:16), an eternal weight of glory (4:18), an eternal house in heaven (5:1), unending fellowship with Christ (5:8), new creation (5:17), reconciliation (5:18) and righteousness (5:21).”

The generous action that Jesus took was not financial, but Paul leverages his example to motivate generosity toward those in need. It is not comfortable. It is not easy. But it is the way of Jesus. It is called sacrifice. This is not a question to make anyone feel guilty, but simply for reflection: When was that last time you gave sacrificially to someone or something (outside your own family)? Why did you do it? How did it make you feel?