What Were The 3 Gifts Given To Jesus

Why Were Gold, Incense, and Myrrh Appropriate Gifts for Jesus?

Then, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and inquired as to the whereabouts of the child who had been born king of the Jews. As a result, we have come to revere him since we witnessed his star as it rose.’ In the midst of their adoration, they discovered the infant with Mary his mother, and they dropped on their knees and worshipped him. Then, when they opened their riches, they presented him with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:1–2; Matthew 2:1–11) We know very little about the wise men based on the biblical narrative.

“We Three Kings of Orient Are,” as the song goes, is sung.

That they were kings, or even when they landed in Bethlehem, is not revealed in the Bible.

That very little information is provided on the wise men certainly indicates that Matthew’s attention was not drawn to the wise men themselves as a subject of study.

A literary critic would pay particular attention to the presents since they appear at the conclusion of the story after the kid has been discovered and so occupy a prominent position in the narrative.

Gold

It is simple to see why gold is a suitable present for the Lord Jesus Christ. Gold is considered to be the metal of kings. When Jesus was given with gold, it was an acknowledgement of his authority to govern. The wise men were aware that Jesus was the King of kings and that he was the Messiah. When Jesus was given with gold, it was an acknowledgement of his authority to govern.

Incense

What makes gold such a fitting present for Jesus Christ may easily be discerned. A king’s metal, gold is a precious metal. Jesus’ right to govern was affirmed when he received gold as a gift. Because they recognized Jesus as the King of kings, the wise men came to him with gifts. Jesus’ right to govern was affirmed when he received gold as a gift.

Myrrh

Myrrh was traditionally used in embalming. By any human standard, it would be strange, if not disrespectful, to give an embalming spice to a child who is supposed to be the Savior. However, it was neither offensive nor out of the ordinary in this instance. It was a gift of faith on my part. We do not know what the wise men may have known or suspected about Christ’s career, but we do know that the Old Testament prophesied of his suffering on several occasions, and we believe that they did.

What Gifts Do You Offer?

There is a sense in which we, too, may offer our gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh on the basis of our faith. Make a start with your myrrh. Aside from representing Christ’s death, myrrh represents the spiritual death that should befall you as a result of your transgression against the law. “Lord Jesus Christ, I recognize that I am less perfect than you are and that I am a sinner,” you should say as you lay it at Christ’s feet. As a result of my transgression, I am aware that I will be permanently banished from your presence, and I accept this responsibility.

  • That is what I believe.
  • According to the Bible, there is no good in man that is not tainted by evil.
  • Finally, bring your gold with you.
  • As a result, by bringing your gold, you are acknowledging Christ’s authority over your life.

Provide direction and guidance in my life so that I may mature spiritually and be able to appreciate and serve you as you deserve.” If you have gone to the altar believing in everything that the myrrh, incense, and gold represent, you have begun a journey that will bring you enormous spiritual delight and happiness.

They are the only things we have to offer to the one who has given us everything through his love and mercy.

From 1982 until 2000, JAMES MONTGOMERY BOICE served as senior minister of Philadelphia’s historic Tenth Presbyterian Church and as an outspoken advocate for the Reformed religion. He died in June 2000 after a thirty-year tenure.

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What the Magi’s 3 Gifts to Jesus Really Symbolize

Some time back, in the early ’90s, I came across a Bible instructor who operated on the principle, “If anything is written down in the Bible it must have meaning, and it must have meaning that is significant.” Although that point of view seems fairly axiomatic, the fact that it is realized never ceases to amaze me. Honestly, if I’m being really honest, there are many passages of the Bible that I tend to read with half of my brain sleeping. The Bible contains a plethora of verses that I completely overlook until someone who is far more knowledgeable than I am draws my attention to them.

  • Okay, I think to myself, “Wow, that’s a lot of stuff,” without stopping to consider why it’s so huge or why those exact ratios of dimensions are being employed.
  • That’s the type of knowledge that always takes me by surprise and leaves me speechless with a sense of awe.
  • This gets us to the subject of this essay, which is the presents given by the magi, sometimes known as wise men.
  • Although they aren’t specifically addressed in the inspired word, we may assume that they must be significant.

Gold for a King

The gold is self-evident. For thousands of years, it has served as a storehouse of value. It is extremely tough to come by and much more difficult to accumulate. It’s simple to mould into forms or to make very thin sheets out of it. Furthermore, it does not rust or corrode. All of this points to it being a valuable store of value, and its usage is documented throughout the Old Testament books of the Bible, particularly in the descriptions of the construction of the temple and the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25).

If you’re looking for something truly eye-opening, here’s some study on how much riches Solomon accumulated in gold each year: A whopping $1.2 billion bucks!

And keep in mind that this is actual, concrete riches.

As a result, when the magi came with gifts of gold to worship Jesus, they were effectively proclaiming him king.

Unfortunately, there are no hints to be found in the written record. Is it possible that Joseph and Mary used it to purchase their escape into Egypt? It’s possible that Jesus handed it to the impoverished. We are simply at a loss for words. Photograph courtesy of Pexels/Pixabay

Frankincense for a High Priest

Obviously, gold is in the picture here! For thousands of years, it has served as a store of wealth. It is extremely tough to come by and much more difficult to store away once you do. Making it into shapes or extremely thin sheets is a piece of cake. Furthermore, it is neither corrosive or rusting. In addition, gold is mentioned several times in the Bible’s Old Testament writings, particularly in the instructions for constructing the temple and Ark of the Covenant, indicating that it is an excellent store of value (Exodus 25).

  • Consider the following information on how much riches Solomon accumulated in gold each year if you want something truly eye-opening.
  • A total of 666 talents of gold (1 Kings 10:14) were used to compute this figure, with a mean weight of 75 pounds each talent (equivalent to 16 ounces per pound), and the current dollar value of gold at around $1,500 dollars per ounce.
  • It’s no surprise that gold was used as a symbol of kingship in the ancient Hebrew scriptures.
  • They were also hailing him to be the ultimate monarch, the “king of kings,” according to their eastern tradition.
  • Unfortunately, there are no hints to be found in the written record.
  • Jesus may have given it to the needy.
  • Credit: Pexels/Pixabay for the image.

Myrrh for a Sacrifice

Myrrh, the final gift from the magi, is the most somber, yet it is also the most predictive. Myrrh, used as an embalming oil, represented the Christ’s mortality as a human being. Consider the possibility of delivering a gift to the Messiah that proclaims his suffering and death. Myrrh, on the other hand, could not be more diametrically opposed to the preceding two offerings. How could they have endured it? Two fascinating links to myrrh may be discovered in the New Testament, both of which are worth exploring.

  • Her given name turns out to be predictive as well.
  • In the book of Revelation, the term myrrh is used a second time in a different context.
  • Smyrna is the name of the city, which derives from the Greek word for myrrh.
  • Him to be our king, the one who would rule over his people, and indeed over all of creation, for all of time and eternity, was announced by the gold.
  • The last revelation is that our King and Priest, God forever, was in some way a human man who would also function as our prophet, a man who would die in the place of his people, as shown by myrrh.
  • The study of the gifts of the magi is a research that will never be completed.
  • It was a research project that I performed before to writing The End of the Magi.
  • Come, have a look at Him!
  • Awarded author Patrick W.
  • He lives in New York City with his wife and son.

In his spare time, he pretends to be a less-than-gentle math instructor in Tennessee, which he finds amusing. The people that live in his home include his wonderful wife, Mary, and a small dog named Mr. Fruffles who has a lot of attitude. Photograph courtesy of Jonathan Meyer via Unsplash.

What Is the Significance of the Three Wise Men and Their Gifts?

A church service might easily be dismissed as merely another location to “get” something in our consumerist society in the United States of America. Moreover, this frame of mind is not surprising, considering that church facilities and worship services are well-known for providing refreshments, free childcare, beautiful music, positive messages, and much more in a climate-controlled, safe, and aesthetically attractive setting. There is nothing wrong with delicious coffee, children’s ministries, music, and everything else; yet, if we are not cautious, we can end up thinking of ourselves as consumers in our spiritual lives, rather than going to God with our offerings of worship and “sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15).

  1. Following the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, many Magi journeyed to visit him, each of whom followed a different star or light in the sky.
  2. They were a special class of priests who had been around for a very long time (Daniel 5).
  3. During Daniel’s time in charge of these Magi, it is extremely plausible that he instructed them about the prophesies concerning the future Messiah (such as inNumbers 24:17andMicah 5:2).
  4. Their education and authority allowed them to function as political consultants and even “king-makers” — which is an odd link to draw given that the Book of Matthew (in which Jesus is presented as the true king in the line of Judah) is the only gospel narrative that cites this incident.
  5. “They rejoic[ed] greatly with great pleasure” when they eventually arrived at the house where the Christ Child was residing, and they “went down on their faces before Jesus and Mary and worshipped him” (an appropriate reaction to being in the presence of the King of Kings).

These were not just any old presents that they happened to have sitting around; each one was meaningful at the time it was given and continues to hold great significance for us now.

What Was the Significance of Each of the Magi’s Gifts?

The hue and sheen of gold have made it a valuable precious metal throughout history, and it has been used to make jewelry, decorations, coinage, and idols. 2. Frankincense is a pricey aroma or perfume that is derived from plants found in India and Saudi Arabia. 3. Myrrhis is a unique type of expensive perfume manufactured from rare thorn plants in Arabia and Ethiopia that is used as an antiseptic anointing oil and embalming fluid, as well as an antiseptic anointing oil. While these gifts would have been unusual and expensive for the Magi to send to Jesus’ family in first-century Palestine, they were not unheard of in the ancient world.

  1. They “honored the King.
  2. In a similar vein, the fact that these gifts were pricey indicated the depth of their selfless love and devotion for the newborn King.
  3. The Magi did not spend their gifts on anything; instead, they were praising one another.
  4. is not the hope of becoming wealthy via your service to others.
  5. So, in order to enjoy you more, rather than things, I am intensifying and demonstrating this desire by giving up things in the intention of enjoying you more rather than things.
  6. God, on the other hand, makes it very plain in his word that he does not require anything that we have to offer.

As the apostles preached in the Book of Acts: “The God who created the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples built by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he required anything, because he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” The God who created the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples built by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though Moreover, he created from a single man every country of people to live on every continent of the planet, having defined allotted periods and the bounds of their living place, in order that they may seek God and, if they were lucky, discover him.

Even yet, Jesus is genuinely very close to everyone of us, for “in him we live, move, and have our being” (John 10:10). (Acts 17:24-28, ESV).

What Is the Deeper Spiritual Meaning Behind These Gifts?

The hue and sheen of gold have made it a valuable precious metal throughout history, and it has been used to make jewelry, decorations, coinage, and religious idols. The pricey smell or scent frankincense is derived from plants found in India and Arabia. 3. Myrrhis is a unique type of expensive perfume manufactured from rare thorn plants in Arabia and Ethiopia that is used as an antibacterial anointing oil and embalming fluid, as well as an anointing oil for the face. The Magi’s gifts to Jesus’ family would have been unusual and expensive in first-century Palestine, but they were not unheard of during the time of Jesus.

  1. These gifts, however, were diplomatic representations of the cultures of the Magi, according to the authors of this article.
  2. in a manner that was appropriate for their nationality” based on where they were from.
  3. Adulation, not charity, was the motivation behind this act.
  4. When it comes to the gifts, John Piper put it succinctly: “They are intensifiers of longing for Christ himself in the same way that fasting is.” It is an expression of faith that says, “The joy that I pursue.
  5. So, in order to enjoy you more, rather than things, I am intensifying and demonstrating this desire by giving up things in the hopes of enjoying you more rather than things.
  6. In a strange twist of irony, God makes it very plain in his scriptures that he does not require anything that we can provide for him.

Even so, he is actually very close to each of us, because “in him we live, move, and have our being” as the Bible says (Acts 17:24-28, ESV).

What is the Significance of the Wise Men’s Gifts? And, Were These Men Kings (or Magi)?

Don’t forget to check out the video at the end of the article! “WHO WERE THE WISDOM MEN?” has already been discussed. Then we responded with, “HOWDID THEY KNOW?” “Did the Three Wise Men Make Their Appearance?” At the end of the discussion, we’ll talk about “WHAT ISN’T THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WISE MEN’S GIFT?” and “Was It Really These Men Who Were Kings?” The presents that the Three Wise Men delivered to Jesus are recounted in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1). The Wise Men are likely to have had more than three presents, despite the fact that only three were named.

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We Three Kings?

A well-known Christmas carol about three kings and the presents they brought to Christ’s birth is performed every year in our church. Due to the fact that the Bible does not mention them as kings, the hymn is not literally valid. This belief is most likely based on the monetary worth of the presents that they gave to Jesus, as well as a misunderstanding of the meaning of the words in Isaiah 60 that talk of the Millennium Kingdom. These persons are referred to as “wise men” in the Bible (Matthew 2:1).

They inquired about the whereabouts of the King of the Jews, who had been born there.

Matthew 2:11 (KJV) And when they entered the home, they saw the small boy with Mary his mother, and they dropped on their knees and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they brought presents to him, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as well as other gifts as well.

They donated their time, talents, wealth, and testimony, among other things:

  • They had traveled a long distance to see this Child—a gift of time
  • They had followed His star—a gift of talent (read:How did the wise men know to follow His star? )
  • And they had given their lives for this Child. It was their desire to worship Him that drove them to bring Him gifts—a present of wealth. When they arrived before Jesus, they “dropped down and worshipped Him.” They acknowledged both His Lordship and His Kingship in the process, which was a gift of evidence. In this article, you will learn what it means to live your life as a testament for Jesus. 3 Easy Steps! )

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

There were many miles between them and this Child—a gift of time; they had followed His star—a gift of talent (read:How did the wise men know to follow His star? ); and they had come to worship Him—a gift of spirit. It was their desire to worship Him that led them to bring Him gifts—a present of wealth. When they arrived before Jesus, they “dropped down and worshipped Him.” The fact that they did so was a gift of evidence, as it acknowledged both His Lordship and His Kingship. How does it feel to spend your life as a witness for Jesus?

Gold = Kingship of God

In the Bible, gold is used to represent God. It is the most precious of all metals, and it is incredibly uncommon in its purest form, making it the most valuable. Since ancient times, the inherent worth of gold has been recognized, and gold has traditionally been used to honor rulers. King Solomon sat on an ivory throne that was lavishly decorated with the finest gold (1 Kings 10:18). The gold used in the Tabernacle’s furnishings is a sign of Christ’s divinity, and it is used to decorate the interior of the Tabernacle.

The mercy seat and two cherubim on either side of the mercy seat were constructed entirely of pure gold (Exodus 25:10-21).

The purity and value of gold are also connected with God’s laws, principles, and promises—all of which are perfect and pure, and which exceed any standards established by man.

The present of gold, given by one of the three wise men, alluded to the born Son, who was appointed by God to be King of His people and who was given this role by God. The gift of the wise man announced Jesus’ status as King at His birth (Matthew 2:2), as did the gifts of others throughout His life:

Jesus proclaimed Himself as King:

Matthew 27:11 (KJV) Jesus was now standing in front of the governor. As a result, the governor approached Him and inquired, “Are You the King of the Jews?” As a result, Jesus told him, “It is as you claim.”

Some of the people proclaimed Jesus King:

John 12:12-13 (NIV) When the people who had gathered for the feast learned that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem the following day, they were enraged. Taken palm branches in their hands, they walked out to meet him and shouted out, “Hosanna!” meaning “Blessed is the King of Israel who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Pilate proclaimed Jesus King:

18:39 (John 18:39) But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover: would you agree that I should release the King of the Jews to you? Then he says to the Jews, “Behold your King!” (John 19:14). 19:19 (John 19:19) Pilate then inscribed a title on the cross and nailed it to it. The inscription on the wall read, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE. During His earthly career, Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God 60 times in different contexts. That Kingdom is present on this planet and may be found in the hearts of people who are followers of Jesus.

Verse 2: “We Three Kings” (We Three Kings) King on Bethlehem’s plain gold, I bring Him back to reign over us all as King forever and never ceasing to be a King.

Frankincense = High Priest of God

Frankincense is a fragrant, transparent resin derived from plants in northern India and Arabia that has a strong perfume (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20). It is used in incense and fragrances, and it was highly prized for its scent and medicinal abilities in ancient times. A component of the meat offering (Leviticus 2:16, 16; 6:15; 24:7) and a sweet savor, Frankincense was used in the Lord’s sanctuary (Exodus 30:34). It was also employed as a sweet savor in the temple of Solomon (incense). Frankincense is often used as a religious symbol (Psalm 141:2; Luke 1:10; Revelation 5:8; 8:3).

It also serves as a representation of the priest’s role in bringing the prayers of the people before the Lord (Luke 1:10, Revelation 8:3-5).

Mark 10:45 a.m.

3rd verse – We, the Three Kings I have Frankincense to present; Incense is the property of a Deity close by; prayer and praise, voices raised, Worshipping God from on high.

Myrrh = Prophet of God

A fragrant, transparent resin derived from plants in northern India and Arabia, frankincense has a strong scent (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20). As an incense and perfume ingredient, it was prized for its fragrant scent and therapeutic powers. A component of the meat offering (Leviticus 2:16, 16; 6:15; 24:7) and a sweet savor, Frankincense was employed in the Lord’s sanctuary (Exodus 30:34) and as a sweet savor (Exodus 30:34). (incense). Frankincense is also regarded as a religious emblem because of its association with the practice of praying (Psalm 141:2; Luke 1:10; Revelation 5:8; 8:3).

The act of offering the prayers of the people to the Lord is also represented by this emblem (Luke 1:10, Revelation 8:3-5).

10:45 p.m., Mark After all, even the Son of Man did not come to be ministered unto, but in order to minister and to sacrifice his life as a ransom for a multitude of people.

v. 3 – We, the Three Kings In my possession is Frankincense, which belongs to a Deity near; prayer and praise are being raised; God is being worshipped from above.

  1. As a Prophet, Jesus carried out the Father’s instructions: 4:34 (John 4:34) ‘My flesh and blood are to execute the will of him who sent me and to complete his job,’ Jesus said to them. As a Prophet, Jesus carried out the will of the Father, which was as follows: 11:27 (Matthew 11:27) Every single item has been handed to me by my Father. As a Prophet, Jesus spoke the words of the Father, which were as follows: 8:28 (John 8:28) Then Jesus addressed them, saying. I do nothing on my own initiative
  2. Rather, following the example set by my Father, I utter these words.

12:49 (John 12:49) In fact, I haven’t spoken anything about myself; rather, the Father who sent me gave me specific instructions on what I should say and how I should say it. Another picture of the gift of myrrh is provided by the book of Revelation. Additionally, oil was utilized in the anointing of the dead, in addition to anointing prophets. In the presence of Jesus at His birth, myrrh was handed to him, alluding to His future life as a Prophet, and it was used at His death to prepare His body for burial.

So, after that day had passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome had gone out and purchased pleasant spices so that they may come and anoint him with them.

John 19:40 (NIV) Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, as was the Jewish custom for burying a body.

Breathes a life of accumulating darkness; sobbing, moaning, bleeding, dying, and so forth I was sealed up in the ice cold grave.

King, Priest and Prophet

As King of Israel (Messiah), Priest of God (to atone for human sins), and Prophet of God (saying God’s words), Jesus came into the world to fulfill his mission. The gifts of the three wise men symbolized each of those duties in prophetic typology, and they pointed to everything that Jesus would do in His incarnation and exaltation as the Son of God. In the same way that the Wise Men gave of their time, skill, and riches, so should we give of ours as well. Let’s not forget one more “t” before we wrap things up: testimony!

Our testimony of His love and faithfulness, together with everything He has done and given to us.makes us smart men as well!

O star of wonder, star of night,Star of royal beauty shining bright,Westward leading, still proceeding,Guide us to thy flawless Light, O star of wonder, star of night, *}}} Please keep in mind that each of these three talents has a future prophetic type associated with it.

Only the prophetic character of these gifts, which were given to Jesus at His birth and which were realized in His incarnation, was discussed in this article.

We’ve seen the near fulfillment, and we’re keeping our eyes peeled for our Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13) and the distant fulfillment of His rule and reign on the earth, which we believe is still a long way off (Revelation 11:15). *}}}

What the Gifts of the Magi Tell Us about Jesus

The journey of the Magi to adore Jesus is commemorated on the feast of the Epiphany. It symbolizes the arrival of Jesus to all people — Gentiles and Jews alike – in one body. The Magi, who had traveled from afar to adore the Christ Child, had seen a star and decided to come. It was they who gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh – each of which reveals something about Jesus’ true nature to us.

See also:  Where Was Jesus Crucified And Buried

What the Bible Tells Us about the Magi

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” According to the biblical account: We caught a glimpse of his growing star and have come to pay our respects to him.” Following their meeting with the king, they set out on their journey. When they got there, they noticed that the star that they had seen at its rise had preceded them all the way to the spot where the youngster was hiding.

They bowed their heads in reverence and paid him tribute.

And, after receiving a warning in a dream not to return to Herod, they decided to take a different route back to their homeland.

Gold – the Kingship of Jesus

The magi’s gifts were more than just a show of riches; they also had a deeper significance. Jesus’ reign is symbolized by the gold. As Daniel 7:13-14 states: “As the visions during the night progressed, I saw coming with the clouds of heaven,” I saw coming with the clouds of heaven. One who resembles a son of man. When he arrived before the Ancient of Days and was introduced to him, he was bestowed with dominion, glory, and kingship; all countries, peoples, and tongues will be devoted to his service.

The Magi saw that Jesus’ reign extended beyond all earthly rulers, and they came to adore him as a result of their recognition.

Frankincense – the Deity of Jesus

The frankincense is a symbol of Jesus’ divinity. As a gift to God, frankincense was typically burnt in the temple throughout the time of the Old Testament (Leviticus 2:2). By presenting this gift, the Magi demonstrated that Jesus is more than just a normal man; he is totally human and fully divine. Because, as it says in Colossians 2:9-10, “in him dwells all the fullness of the deity bodily,” and you participate in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power, you are part of the god.

Myrrh – the Death of Jesus

The present of myrrh, which is commonly used to embalm bodies, foreshadows the death of Jesus. We learn from John 19:38-40 that Nicodemus took myrh to the tomb of Jesus. Following this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was secretly a disciple of Jesus out of fear of the Jews, petitioned Pilate to allow him to take the body of Jesus from the tomb. And Pilate gave his approval. As a result, he arrived and seized his body. Nicodemus, the man who had initially approached him in the middle of the night, returned the next day with a combination of myrrh and aloes weighing around one hundred pounds.

The complete story of Jesus’ arrival is presented in this manner. So that we can be saved, Jesus was born into this world. We have eternal life as a result of Jesus’ death on the cross.

The Magi’s Gifts: Pointing to the Ultimate Gift

The gifts of the Magi shed light on the various facets of Christ’s personae and mission. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and in his great generosity, he died in order that we could live. As the Magi aggressively sought Jesus, so too should we follow Christ without hesitation, allowing him to serve as our guiding star as we go through life. When it comes to knowing where Jesus was born, like the scribes did, it is not enough if we do not go to the place where he was born.

  1. When his location becomes our place, when his time becomes our time, when his person becomes our life, then the predictions come to fruition in us and we become the fulfillment of them.
  2. For me, he takes on the nature of a living God.
  3. They do not engage in dispute; instead, they proceed.
  4. They do not place themselves as the focus of attention, but instead bow down before the One who is the center of attention.

What did gold, frankincense, and myrrh represent?

What did the presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh have to do with Christ’s gifts? What do you think the presents are representing?

Bible Answer:

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were the gifts that the three wise men presented to Jesus according to Matthew 2:11. And when they entered the home, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they dropped to their knees and worshiped Him, and they gave Him with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh from their treasuries, which He accepted. Matthew 2:11 (KJV) (NASB)

Gift of Gold

The gift of gold was regarded as befitting a king’s dignity. Kings and pharaohs of ancient times left behind monuments and riches that served as reminders that gold was the prize of rulers and kings. Gold was highly regarded by both secular and biblical royalty. The next two verses explain that King Solomon obtained valuable wealth and that King Nebuchadnezzar created a gold idol or image of himself in the form of a gold idol or image. Every one of King Solomon’s drinking glasses was made entirely of gold, and every vessel in his household’s residence in the Forest of Lebanon was made entirely of pure gold; silver was not regarded as precious during Solomon’s reign.

He erected the image on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

Gift of Frankincense

Frankincense is derived from the resin of trees. Frankincense was originally highly prized across the Middle East, from Rome to India, and it continues to be so today. In addition to being quite pricey, it has a beautiful scent. There are fifteen references to frankincense in the Bible. Upon investigation, it is discovered that it was largely utilized in biblical times for the preparation of incense (Exodus 30:34) and as an element in sacrifices (Leviticus 2:1-2). According to the Song of Solomon 3:6 and 4:14, it was also used as a component in perfume.

“Take for yourselves spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there should be an equal amount of each,” the LORD instructed Moses. Exodus 30:34 (KJV) (NASB)

Gift of Myrrh

A substance known as myrrh is extracted from the gum of the Commiphora myrrhplant. It was less costly than frankincense, yet it was nevertheless highly prized in its own right. It is referenced seventeen times in the Bible, with the earliest occurrence occurring in Genesis 37:25, when it is described as being transported by camels in a caravan. When it comes to biblical periods, myrrh was used for a number of functions, including as a perfume (Song of Solomon 1:13, 3:6, 4:6, 14; 5:1, 5, 13), as an anesthetic, for burial embalming (John 19:39), as a component of anointing oil (Exodus 30:23-25), and to deodorize garments.

Myrrh was used at the burial of Jesus, according to the Bible’s account in John 19:39.

19:39 (John 19:39) (NASB) Throughout the New Testament, the scent of myrrh is connected mostly with death.

Conclusion:

Because gold, frankincense, and myrrh were highly treasured by kings and emperors at the time of Jesus’ birth, the magi presented him with three extremely expensive presents. The gift of gold belonged to a king, because Christ is the King of the universe. Because Christ was the anointed One who deserved our adoration, frankincense was a fitting present for Him to receive. Myrrh was a prophetic gift, indicating that Jesus would die in order to atone for the sins of the world. In relation to the three gifts, Dr.

Vernon McGee expresses the following sentiment.

He is born into the position of King.

The scent of myrrh conjures up images of His dying.

References:

As kings and emperors coveted gold, frankincense, and myrrh, these three magi presented Jesus with three extremely expensive gifts. Because Christ is our King, the gift of gold was appropriate. Because Christ was the anointed One who deserved our worship, frankincense was a fitting gift for Him to accept. Because Jesus would die for the sins of the entire world, myrrh was a prophetic gift. About the three gifts, the following statement is made by Dr. J. Vernon McGee: His birth is commemorated in Gold.

This fragrant oil symbolizes His life’s fragrance.

It was all indicated in the gifts that were brought to Him upon His first appearance.

Suggested Links:

The Biblical Accounts of the Christmas Story Gabriel Pays a Visit to Mary The Magnificat of Mary Joseph’s Imagination Jesus is born in the town of Bethlehem. The Arrival of the Magi to Pay a Visit to Jesus Where was Jesus when the three wise men came upon Him and presented Him with gifts?

Is there any proof that Herod killed kids under the age of two in the modern era? What exactly does the name Immanuel mean? Is Isaiah 7:14-16 a prophesy concerning the coming of Jesus Christ?

What Is the Significance of the Three Gifts the Wise Men Offered to Jesus? — Beautiful Christian Life

A minister in the Australian Presbyterian Church for more than twenty-two years, Campbell Markham resides in Perth, Western Australia with his wife and two children. Growing up, we used to leave out empty pillowcases next to our beds on the night before the holiday season. Every room would be crammed with gifts when they woke up in the morning. I once woke up on Christmas morning at an inconvenient hour. I could feel at the end of the bed that the bag was nearly full, but no one else was awake, not even the birds.

  • It was always a pleasant surprise to wake up to a cold, clear morning in Perth, knowing that there would be plenty of time for swimming later on.
  • Our parents’ incredible generosity did not, however, prevent us from internally evaluating the quality of the present.
  • To put it clearly, a sturdy gift received a high rating, whereas a soft present received a low rating.
  • Clothes were more likely to be given as soft presents.

The Magi presented three gifts to the child Jesus in Bethlehem.

But what about the gifts that were delivered during the first Christmas—the three gifts that the Magi brought to the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem—and how did they fit into the story? Matthew is the only one who tells us the story: After listening to the king’s speech, they continued their journey. It was then that they noticed a bright light rising above the horizon that followed them until it came to settle above the location where the youngster was. When they spotted the star, they were overjoyed and filled with a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

They then presented him with presents, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which they had opened from their riches.

(See Matthew 2:9-12) There is no indication as to how long this occurred following Jesus’ birth.

Who were the “wise men” in Matthew 2:1-12?

Amagos was a sage, priest, and/or astrologer who lived during the time of the ancient Greeks. The words “magic” and “magician” are derived from the Greek wordmagos. These astrologers, who came from the east and followed a star, were most likely Persian astrologers, according to the plural form of Magi. The notion that there were three Magi, as depicted on our Christmas cards, is based on the presenting of three gifts. Matthew, on the other hand, just tells us that there were more than one of them.

What the Magi did when they eventually spotted the newborn Jesus, on the other hand, is something we can say with historical certainty.

They “dropped on their knees and worshipped him.” The term “worship” was formerly used to denote prostration before a king, usually in order to kiss the hem of his garment. The Magi sank on their knees before the newborn Jesus, their faces contorted in awe.

The magi “fell down andworshiped him.”

“What Persian wise man would come to commemorate the birth of a Jewish peasant?” many have questioned about the account of the Magi’s visit. Because of the oddity of their adoration, it draws attention to the magnificence of the infant. These travelers, who would have been extremely wealthy if they had undertaken such a long journey and were no doubt highly esteemed in their own country, recognized in the newborn Jesus someone who was far more deserving of praise and glory on a cosmic scale. Furthermore, the fact that non-Jewish pagan religious leaders came to worship Christ proclaims that the Savior came to save people from every tribe, country, and tongue, not only Jews.

It is also necessary to draw a contrast between the pagan Magi and Herod the Great, the presumed “King of the Jews.” Herod should have led his people in celebrating the birth of the Lord’s Anointed, as a Jewish leader should have done.

In Genesis 12:1-3, we see the beginning of what the Gospels will detail from beginning to end: Israel’s rejection of Jesus and his goal, which was conceived in Genesis 12:1-3, to extend his redemption benefits beyond the confines of Israel to all nations.

See also:  Jesus Culture How He Loves

Let’s now look at the significance of those first “Christmas gifts.”

Gold is considered to be a rare and valuable metal. At the time of this writing, it costs about $70,000 per kg. Gold has always been considered extremely precious, and until we reach the Celestial City and walk on it like asphalt, it will continue to be considered extremely valuable. Frankincense is the dried sap of the Boswellia sacratree tree, which is native to the Horn of Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula and gets its name from an old French phrase meaning “clean incense.” Little holes are chipped into the bark, and the sap pours out in small tears, which are then collected after they have been allowed to dry completely.

  1. 2, p.
  2. It was employed for embalming by the ancient Egyptians.
  3. God instructed Moses to prepare a special ointment with this uncommon fragrance while in the desert: ‘Take delicious spices, such as stacte and onycha, as well as galbanum, and blend them with pure frankincense (each should have an equal proportion),’ the Lord instructed Moses.
  4. (See Exodus 30:34-35 for further information.) Myrrh, like frankincense, is made from dried sap, in this instance from theCommiphora myrrha, which is described as “a low thorny tree” (ISBE, p.
  5. Myrrh is used in fragrances and cosmetics, and it was also one of the components in the sacred anointing oil that was used to sanctify Old Testament priests before they were ordained (Exod.
  6. The soldiers or the ladies who accompanied Jesus to Golgotha offered him “wine mingled with myrrh” just before he was nailed on the cross, but he refused to accept the gift.

After Jesus’ death, according to John, Nicodemus “came bearing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing approximately seventy-five pounds” (John 19:39), and Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus “took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews” (John 19:40).

The myrrh was used to halt the decomposition process and disguise the stink of decay, and the fact that it was used suggests that Jesus’ supporters did not anticipate his resurrection to take place soon. As a result, myrrh is strongly associated with the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh also appear in the list of luxury goods in Revelation 18.

Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are among the luxury items mentioned in Revelation 18:12-13 that the “merchants of the earth weep and sorrow” over because, following God’s vengeance on Babylon, no one would be interested in them any longer, according to the Bible. This demonstrates the high monetary worth that these objects have in today’s society. Aside from that, the Queen of Sheba presented King Solomon with “120 talents of gold” in addition to “a tremendous number of spices and beautiful stones.” “Never again would such an abundance of spices as those given to King Solomon by the Queen of Sheba be seen again” (1Kings 10:10).

All monarchs will submit to him, and all countries will be devoted to his service (verses 10-11).

They demonstrated to him that he was the fulfillment of Psalm 72.

The Magi’s presents pointed forward to Jesus’ great high-priestly work.

The early church Fathers tended to assign metaphorical significance to each gift, such as gold representing Jesus’ kingship, frankincense representing his divinity, and myrrh representing his humanity. Jesus, without a doubt, embodies all of these characteristics. Modern academics, on the other hand, prefer to discourage the search for particular importance, stating that it is the overall “character of the gifts” that is striking, rather than their possible application. “The first and typical recognition of Christ by people who had heretofore been ‘far away;” and their donations as “symbolic of the whole world’s tribute,” according to Alfred Edersheim, for example (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Vol.

190).

May the Magi’s gifts remind us this year of God’s gift of His Son.

Overall, I agree, but the close Old Testament association of frankincense with priests, and the close Gospel association of myrrh with Jesus’ death and burial, lead me to believe that the Magi’s gifts were not just any old precious and expensive gifts, but rather pointed forward to Jesus’ great high-priestly work, the offering up of himself as a sacrifice for the sins of his people from every corner of the world.

During this season of giving, may the gifts of the Magi serve as a reminder of God’s gift of His Son, the Great King, who was offered as a sacrifice for the world, “so that whomever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

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  • Who Are Those Two Gentlemen? This article is about the Three Wise Men and what you should know about them. Christmas, the Winter’s Interrupter, is a holiday celebrated on December 25th. People responded to the news of Jesus’ birth in three different ways in Matthew’s Gospel—and what this means to you today Are you missing out on the gift of a good and abundant life
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3 Gifts For Jesus – Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

To commemorate the holiday season, we exchange presents with one another. As an example, imagine three presents that you should deliver to Jesus Christ, following in the footsteps of the three wise men. 9–119 (Matthew 2:9–119) When they had finished listening to the monarch, they left; and lo, the star that they had seen in the east had preceded them all the way to where the small kid was standing. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with a tremendous amount of delight. 11 And when they entered the home, they saw the small boy with Mary his mother, and they dropped on their knees and worshipped him; and when they had uncovered their treasures, they brought presents to him, including gold, frankincense, and myrrh, as well as other valuables.

  • It’s a really effective representation.
  • They had traveled from Babylon, guided by a star and the Spirit.
  • The arrival of the three wise men is commemorated as Epiphany or Three Kings Day in certain Protestant churches, which is celebrated 12 days following Christmas.
  • Many hundreds of kilometers were traveled by them in their pursuit of the Child.
  • Each gift shows a different aspect of Christ’s persona and reveals what gifts we should give to Him right now.
  • Tradition, unlike the Bible, is neither inspired or infallible, but it does provide some suggestions for the names and locations of these great men.
  • The phrase “wise men” comes from the Greek word o (mags, mag’-os), which means “intelligent one.” The single form of the term is magi.

Historians believe that these guys were priests of the Zoroastrian religion.

The magi are referred to as “kings” in several legends and hymns, although this is not explicitly stated in Scripture.

God is continuously attracting individuals to Himself!

All mankind will be drawn to Christ as we hold Him up in prayer.

Wise men are continuously on the lookout for Jesus!

Isaiah 60:6 (KJV) The multitude of camels will cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all of Sheba’s people will come; they will bring gold and incense; and they will sing the Lord’s praises in the presence of the people.

The Wise Men brought three gifts to Jesus. These gifts were more than simple trinkets. They were symbolic treasures! Each gift describes an element of Who Christ is and reveals what gifts we should offer Him today.

When it comes to gifts, gold is unrivaled in its splendor. The wise men presented gold to Christ as a symbol of their respect for His authority. They traveled to Judea in search of a monarch. Matthew 2:1–21 is a biblical text. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:1–2) We have come to worship him because we have seen his star in the east and have followed it.

  1. Gold was frequently presented as a gift to royalty.
  2. The fact that Jesus Christ is the KING of Kings and THE LORD of Lords is now well known to us.
  3. Revelation 19:16 (New International Version) And he has the names KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS inscribed on his vesture and on the inside of his thigh.
  4. WEALTH!
  5. “God’s Throne is not a two-tiered structure,” one guy stated.

2. Frankincense Speaks Of Christ’s Sinless Deity.

What is Frankincense and how does it work? Frankincense, according to the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, is a fragrant gum resin that may be crushed into a powder and burned to generate a balsam-like odor when burned. It was utilized in religious ceremonies as an incense. Exodus 30:34–3734 (Exodus 30:34–3734) Moses was instructed by the Lord to gather sweet spices such as stacte and onycha and galbanum; these sweet spices were to be mixed with pure frankincense, and the weight of each was to be the same.

  1. Also, thou shalt pound some of it into little pieces and place them in front of the testimony in the tabernacle of the assembly, where I will meet with thee: it shall be most holy to thee.
  2. Exodus 30:34 (KJV) Moses was instructed by the Lord to gather sweet spices such as stacte and onycha and galbanum; these sweet spices were to be mixed with pure frankincense, and the weight of each was to be the same.
  3. We owe it to Jesus, as our God, to offer him our WORSHIP.
  4. We offer our devotion and commitment to Christ as a kind of worship.

We show our love for Him by surrendering our hearts, souls, and possessions. We adore Him by completely surrendering ourselves to Him. God’s Throne is not a two-tiered structure. He will not allow anybody else to sit on His Throne. To send a tweet, simply click here.

3. Myrrh Signifies Christ’s Sacrificial Death.

Similarly to frankincense, myrhh is a fragrant resin that is often extracted from the bark of plants and bushes. When it was employed as a precious perfume, it was regarded as a high-end commodity. Song of Solomon 1:13 is a verse in the Song of Solomon. He is a bundle of myrrhismy that I adore, and he will spend the entire night nestled between my breasts. Myrrh was utilized in the preparation of the sacred anointing oil. Exodus 30:23 (KJV) Take also with you the most important spices: five hundredshekels of pure myrrh, half that amount of delicious cinnamon, even two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet calamus, and two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet frankincense.

  1. 19:39 (John 19:39) And there came also Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus in the middle of the night with a combination of myrrh and aloes weighing about a hundred pounds, which he presented to him.
  2. Jesus Christ was born with the intention of dying.
  3. Of a crucifix that would bring a King to his knees.
  4. (Verse 2)Jesus knew that when He arrived, He would be humiliated; He was able to feel every emotion of agony and grief.
  5. (Verse 3) Jesus descended from His seat, casting aside the glory of Heaven.
  6. (Psalm 4) (Verse 4) Dearest Lord, may Thy cross, which I adore, endure forever.
  7. “Born To Die” is a film about a man who was born to die.
  8. In order to atone for our sins, Jesus died on the Cross.
  9. He emerged from the dead three days after his death.

1 Corinthians 15:1–41 (New International Version) More than that, brethren, I reveal vnto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which you have received as well, and in which you now stand; 2 by which also you are saved, if you remember what I preached unto you, otherwise you have believed in vain.

Do you believe in the resurrection of Christ?

Many were saved by faith in Jesus; nevertheless, he gave them the authority to become sons of God, even those who believe in his name: 13 who were not born of blood, or flesh, or human will, but by the power of God.

Now is the time to confess your sin and call upon Jesus in trust.

Because faith comes from the heart, and confession comes from the lips, and both bring about righteousness and redemption for the believer.

13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, regardless of their background. If you have been saved, God has commissioned you to share your faith with others. Our WITNESS must be given to Jesus since he is our Saviour.

CONCLUSION

The Three Wise Men gave three gifts to Jesus, each of which described an aspect of Christ’s nature and revealed what gifts we should bring to Him today. The three wise men gave Him gifts of gold. As our King, we owe it to Jesus to give him our wealth. The magi presented frankincense to Jesus. We owe it to Christ, who is our God, to offer him our worship. The wise men presented Jesus with myrrh as a token of their respect for His death. We owe it to Jesus, our Saviour, to bear witness to who He is.

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