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During His life on earth, Jesus was a refuge for the weary and a beacon of hope for the lost. He showed compassion to the suffering and acceptance to the outcast.

He was kind, patient, honest, humble, pure, righteous, just, truthful, always at peace, full of joy, and overflowing in love—qualities we usually associate with Jesus.

But how about generous?

We don’t normally think of Jesus as generous because He didn’t give away money. He owned nothing to give away! When He died, His only possession was the tunic He wore—which soldiers gambled for.

Generosity, however, isn’t only about giving cash or donating stuff. It’s about giving ourselves out of a heart of love. And by that measure, Jesus was the most generous person who ever lived.

Think of all He gave to you. Before His birth, He existed as a member of the Trinity—eternal, all-sufficient, glorious, possessing everything, needing nothing. Yet, according to Paul, He didn’t hang onto His divine privileges but willingly released them for your sake.

He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. (Philippians 2:7)

Jesus remained the Son of God, but He gave up His privileges as Son to take on human flesh, so He could die for you.

It was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17)

Jesus gave His life so you can live eternally with your heavenly Father. Your greatest need is a relationship with God, not more money or nicer possessions. The name Jesus means “the Lord saves.” Jesus became flesh to embody the love of God, and He generously gave Himself as your Saviour.

God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)

There’s more! He is not only your Saviour, but He is also your Lord—which means “master.” He offers Himself as your teacher to help you know what’s good and true. And He is the Christ—which means “messiah.” Messiah is a kingly title that expresses His authority and power to give you all you need to live abundantly as His child.

Such generous gifts!

As Lord, He gives you wisdom.

As Jesus, He shows you love.

As Christ, He empowers you to live abundantly and eternally.

Lord Jesus Christ. Generosity is in His name! Whenever you say His name, remember the precious gifts He has generously poured out to you. For your sake, He gave His all.

Unwrapping Jesus’ Gifts: A 30-Day Bible-Reading Plan from the Book of Mark

Meditate on these 30 Bible passages, one per day, and receive with gratitude the generous gifts Jesus has for you.

Jesus’ Gift of Wisdom.  

• You can trust His teaching to be true. Mark 1:21–28
• His teaching is new and breaks the mold. Mark 2:18–28
• He willingly helps you grasp His teaching. Mark 4:1–20
• He leads you and feeds you like a shepherd. Mark 6:30–44
• His teaching changes you on the inside. Mark 7:1–23
• He is the highest authority, above all others. Mark 8:27–38
• His authority is based on who He is. Mark 11:1–10
• He teaches you what’s most important. Mark 12:28–34
• He models submission to the Father’s will. Mark 14:32–42
• His life and teaching fulfil Scripture. Mark 14:43–49

Jesus’ Gift of Love

• His love flows from the Father’s love for Him. Mark 1:7–11
• He invites you into a close relationship. Mark 1:16–20
• He has compassion for you. Mark 1:40–45
• He forgives your sins and restores you. Mark 2:1–12
• He accepts you, regardless of your past. Mark 2:13–17
• He considers you His family. Mark 3:31–35
• He cares when you’re afraid. Mark 4:35–41
• His love crosses all social barriers. Mark 7:24–37
• He gives Himself for you. Mark 10:32–45
• He loved you enough to die for you. Mark 15:21–47

Jesus’ Gift of Life

• He offers you life in His Kingdom. Mark 1:14–15
• He brings life to what has withered. Mark 3:1–5
• He shines light into your darkest places. Mark 5:1–20
• He has power over death. Mark 5:21–43
• He calms your deepest fears. Mark 6:45–50
• He is God in flesh, willing to die for you. Mark 9:2–9
• He will return to restore all things. Mark 13:3–37
• He gives you life in His body and blood. Mark 14:12–26
• He is the “I am,” the giver of all life. Mark 14:53–62
• He rose again to give you eternal life. Mark 16:1–8