What Are The 3 Gifts Given To Baby 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

Incense was also given as a thoughtful gift. It was employed in the temple’s religious ceremonies. It was used in conjunction with the oil that was used to anoint the priests of the nation of Israel. It was included in the meal offerings, which were intended to be expressions of gratitude and worship to God. They did so in order to draw attention to Christ as our great High Priest, the one whose entire life had been acceptable and well pleased to his Father.

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.

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What Are the Three Gifts Given to Baby Jesus?

Photograph by.marilyna/iStock/Getty Images One of the most well-known biblical Christmas tales tells of three kings, sometimes known as magi or wise men, who traveled for 12 days in search of the infant Jesus in Bethlehem after being guided there by the star known as the North Star.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, this story served as the inspiration for Three Kings Day, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6th by Christians across Spain and Latin America.

1Three Prophetic Gifts

According to the book of Matthew, the three magi, later named as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, presented the Christ infant with three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which were later recognized as gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In this case, gold indicated a recognition of Jesus’ monarchy, while frankincense represented his future function as priest. As a funeral ointment, myrrh alluded to Jesus’ death on the cross and, hence, his role as the Redeemer of the world. Since beginning her professional journalism career in 2007, Nathalie Alonso has covered a wide range of issues for newspapers and publications in New York City, including arts, culture, and travel.

She graduated from Columbia University with a B.A.

Why Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Were Given to Baby Jesus

As we all know from our nativity scenes, some very important guests attended the birth of Jesus: three wise men from the east, who brought presents for the newborn king in the form of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the newborn king to open. According to Matthew 2:11, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “It is written, “When they arrived at the house, they were greeted by the child and his mother Mary, and they immediately fell to their knees and worshipped him.

  • Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, among other things.” Comparing the narrative we relate to the Bible’s description of the royal visit, we find that it is frequently embellished with a little additional detail.
  • One part of the visit that has mostly remained intact is the list of gifts that were brought to Jesus, which included gold, frankincense, and myrrh among others.
  • They were definitely gifts worthy for a king, and their immense value was the most important aspect of the gifts’ symbolic meaning.
  • In any case, without delving too deep into extra-biblical conjecture, it’s feasible to derive a few probable meanings from the gifts delivered by the three wise men.

The Gift of Gold

In addition to the wise men from the east who brought gifts for the newborn king – gold, frankincense, and myrrh – as we all know from our nativity scenes, the birth of Jesus was visited by other very special guests. “It is written in Matthew 2:11: “It is written in Matthew 2:11: “It is written in Matthew 2:11,” it is written in Matthew 2:11: “It is written in Matthew 2:11,” it is written in Matthew 2:11: “It is written in Matthew 2:11,” it is written in Matthew 2:11: “It is written in Matthew 2:11,” it is written in Matthew 2:11: “It is written in Matthew 2:11,” it is written in Matthew 2:11: “It “When they arrived at the house, they were greeted by the child and his mother Mary, and they immediately bowed their heads and worshipped him as a result.

Then they uncovered their riches and gave him with presents of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which he greatly appreciated.” Comparing the narrative we relate to the Bible’s description of the royal visit, we find that it is frequently embellished with a little additional detail.

In the course of history, just one component of Jesus’ visit has remained virtually unchanged: the list of presents given to him, which includes gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Because of their high monetary worth, the presents were really befitting of a monarch in terms of their significance.

In any case, without delving too deep into extra-biblical conjecture, it is feasible to derive a few probable meanings from the gifts delivered by the three wise men. The purpose of these priceless presents was plainly to glorify Jesus, but it’s likely that they also had deeper theological meaning.

The Gift of Frankincense

It is an aromatic gum resin that is still widely used in regions of the Middle East and Africa today. Frankincense comes from the tree of the same name. It is made by scraping the bark of specific native species of trees and then gathering the resin beads that have formed as a result of the drying process. A powerful and attractive scent is released when the herb is burnt as incense. Historically, the high expense of frankincense prevented it from being utilized as a popular household air freshener in the ancient Near East.

  1. So the gift of frankincense to Jesus may have suggested to the wise men that they believed the prophesy of the newborn king to be an assertion of divine authority.
  2. When God designed the sacrificial system for use in the Tabernacle and, subsequently, the Temple, one of its most important components was the burning of incense at the altar.
  3. The only incense authorized on the altar was a particular combination of spices blended with “pure frankincense” (v.
  4. 35) and consecrated as such.

The Gift of Myrrh

Originally from the Near East, myrrh is a fragrant spice made from the sap of a tree that bears the same name. As with frankincense, it may be used as an aromatic incense, but it was also widely employed in the ancient world as a perfume, anointing oil, and even as a medical tonic, according to certain sources. Myrrh was a vital element in the mixture of spices that was used to prepare bodies for burial during Jesus’ lifetime, and it was particularly significant in Jesus’ life (e.g.,John 19:39-40).

Myrrh, like the other two gifts, has a relationship to the Temple, just as the previous two gifts did.

Again, there are direct analogies to Jesus’ consecrated life and sacrificial death that might be drawn to mind.

What Did Mary and Joseph Do with the Gifts?

The riches of the nations, as described in Isaiah 60:6, is being brought to God’s people via Christ. When Mary and Joseph received the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they saw a glimpse of what was to come. And in this particular instance, it is possible that the family’s riches was utilized to assist them in escaping to another country. According to Matthew, as soon as the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, warning him of Herod’s wrath to come (Matthew 2:13).

A journey of this size would be tough to pull off for a family with little financial resources.

Now that we understand the significance of the presents delivered to Baby Jesus, let us consider the relevance of the people who provided the gifts.

Who Were the Wise Men?

Consider the following passage from the Bible, which describes these pilgrims and their journey to meet the predicted king: Then, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and inquired, saying, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Because we saw his star as it rose in the sky and have come to pay homage to him.” Herod the king, as well as everyone of Jerusalem, were alarmed upon hearing this, and he summoned all of the top priests and scribes of the people to ask them where the Christ would be born.

  • They said that they did not know where the Christ would be born.
  • ” Then Herod called the three wise men in private and inquired of them as to what time the star had appeared on the horizon.
  • 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.
  • In the midst of their adoration, they discovered the infant with Mary his mother, and they dropped on their knees and worshipped him.
  • And after being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they decided to take a different route back to their own country.
  • But who were these folks in the first place?
  • Magi, for example, were considered as essential consultants in the Medo-Persian Empire because of their understanding of science, agriculture, and magic, all of which was in demand at the time.
  • At some point during the first century AD, magi had become more well known as persons who read sacred literature and experimented with occult activities.
  • Despite the fact that they were prevalent throughout the region, magi were most generally linked with the Parthian Empire, which was located east of Palestine (present-day Iran).

Even after the Babylonian captivity, elements of Jewish culture continued to exist in that region, and it’s possible that the Hebrew Scriptures were among the sacred texts that these great men read in their quest for knowledge and understanding.

The Nations Shall Come to You

A different perspective on the wise men and their gifts might be gained by looking at them through the prism of global missions. Israel was never supposed to be a halting point in the flow of grace; rather, God invited them to be a light for other peoples across the world. One of the most vivid depictions of this concept may be found in Isaiah 60, which describes a future period in which the nations would be pulled to the brilliance of Israel—”nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising”—and the people of Israel would be drawn to them (Isaiah 60:3).

  1. 6).
  2. A variety of perspectives may be taken on the Bible’s account of the three wise men’s visit, even though the story is pretty basic.
  3. Beyond that, they may have also had associations with the Temple and perhaps served as a metaphor to Jesus’ worldwide mission.
  4. Scott James is a member of The Church at Brook Hills, where he serves as an Elder.
  5. He is the author of two family worship books (The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the AdventandMission and The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the AdventandMission).
  6. The Watchman on the Wall is a fictional character created by author Stephen King in the novel The Littlest Watchman.
  7. As part of our largerChristmas and Advent resource library, which focuses on the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s birth, we’ve included this piece here.
  8. What really is Christmas?
See also:  When Did Jesus Say He Was The Son Of God

The history of the 25th of December The Bible’s account of Jesus’ birth, as well as Scripture verses Bible Verses for the Holidays The Bible’s Narrative Prayers for the Holidays The following are the photo credits, listed in the order of appearance: Pexels/Tookapic, Unsplash/JackT, Pixabay/xbqs42, Pixabay/Leo 65, Unsplash/GarethHarper, Unsplash/JakubJacobsky, Pexels/InbalMalca, Unsplash/GarethHarper, Unsplash/JakubJacobsky, Pexels/InbalMalca

Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh – The Truth About Their Significance

Through the lens of worldwide missions, the three wise men and their gifts may also be interpreted. Israel was never intended to be a halting point in the flow of grace; rather, God invited them to be a light to other peoples across the world. In Isaiah 60, a scene depicting a future period in which the nations would be drawn to the splendor of Israel is described as follows: “nations shall come to your light, and kingdoms to the brightness of your rising.” This is one of the finest illustrations of this vision in the Bible (Isaiah 60:3).

  • 6).
  • A variety of perspectives can be taken on the Bible’s account of the three wise men’s visit, even though the story is plain.
  • It’s also possible that they held religious overtones or were a reference to Jesus’ worldwide mission in addition to these implications.
  • A member of the Church of Brook Hills, Scott James serves as an Elder.
  • Author of two family worship books (The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent and Mission and The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent and Mission), he is also a speaker.
  • The Watchman on the Wall is a fictional character created by author Stephen King in his novel The Littlest Watchman.
  • As part of our largerChristmas and Advent resource library, which focuses on the events leading up to Jesus Christ’s birth, we’ve included this piece.
  • Was there a reason behind the holiday season?

On the 25th of December, there was a time when The Story of Jesus’ Birth, as Told in the Bible, with Scripture Verse References Bible Verse for Christmas Anecdotal Evidence Prayers for the Season of Giving Order of appearance on the photo credits: (from left to right) Pixabay/xbqs42, Pixabay/Leo 65, Unsplash/GarethHarper, Unsplash/JakubJacobsky, Pixabay/xbqs42, Unsplash/GarethHarper, Unsplash/JakubJacobsky, Pixabay/InbalMalca, Pixabay/Leo 65

Biblical Account of the Magi

Through the perspective of global missions, the wise men and their gifts might also be regarded in a new light. Israel was never supposed to be a halting point in the flow of grace; rather, God called them to be a beacon to all peoples. One of the most vivid depictions of this concept is found in Isaiah 60, which describes a future period in which the nations would be pulled to the brilliance of Israel—”nations shall come to your light, and rulers to the brightness of your rising”—and the people of Israel would be drawn to them (Isaiah 60:3).

  • 6).
  • Despite the fact that the Bible’s narrative of the wise men’s visit is quite plain, it may be seen from a variety of perspectives.
  • Beyond that, they may have had associations with the Temple and perhaps served as a metaphor to Jesus’ worldwide mission.
  • Scott James is a member of The Church at Brook Hills and serves as an Elder.
  • He is the author of two family worship books (The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent andMission and The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent andMission).
  • The Watchman on the Wall, also known as the Littlest Watchman.
  • As part of our largerChristmas and Advent resource library, which focuses on the events leading up to JesusChrist’s birth, we’ve included this piece.
  • What is the meaning of Christmas?

The History of the 25th of December The Story of Jesus’ Birth, as Told in the Bible and Scripture Verses Bible Verses for Christmas Story from the Bible Christmas Greetings and Prayers The following are the photo credits, listed in alphabetical order: Exels/Tookapic, Unsplash/JackT, Pixabay/xbqs42, Pixabay/Leo 65, Unsplash/GarethHarper, Unsplash/JakubJacobsky, Exels/InbalMalca, Unsplash/GarethHarper, Unsplash/JakubJacobsky, Exels/InbalMalca

Three Gifts from the East – Gold, FrankincenseMyrrh

The Magi, in contrast to the imagery we have in mind of three men each bearing a gift, are not numbered. The tale has been embellished by church history and custom to include the names of the men who actually brought the presents – Melchior giving gold, Caspar bringing frankincense, and Balthasar delivering myrrh. (2) Despite this, portrayals of the Magi have changed significantly since their initial iterations, and no one can agree on the exact number of visitors in total. Their gifts to the young Jesus were described as “opening their riches” in Matthew’s narrative.

We aren’t talking about a handful of birthday presents here — regardless of the exact names and quantities, these were definitely affluent men traveling in a caravan with a lot of reputation and a lot to give the world.

1. Gold

The Magi were on their way to congratulate the newly crowned king, thus gold makes sense as a recognition of royalty. Gold was a precious metal that was also attractive and long-lasting. Gold, according to most scholars, symbolized Jesus’ status as a king who would reign forever on an endless throne of glory. That relic belonged in the possession of royalty, even if that royalty resided in the house of a young, impoverished family. Some feel that the gold was something altogether else, which is a fascinating notion that is a little on the edge.

Unless it was a gold-en spice like turmeric, as some people believe it was, gold appears out of place — one of these things is not like the other – This line of reasoning may even be traced back to the production of balsam oil, which is obtained from the resin of balsam trees that grow in the same climate and location as the origins of frankincense and myrrh.

It has a component “renowned for its anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic, and antifungal activities,” and it was formerly called the Balm of Gilead.

2. Frankincense

There’s no big surprise here, and there’s no outlandish notion that implies something surprising. Only an antique incense that is still useful now may be described as such. Traditionally, the gift of frankincense was seen as an affirmation of Jesus’ priesthood, distinguishing him from a conventional king and establishing him as a unique figure. Frankincense was employed in the temple’s rituals, and priests would burn it in a ceremonial fire. Because it was not indigenous to that region, acquiring frankincense from the east was a time-consuming and expensive endeavor.

Because we now have the ability to evaluate the qualities and modes of action that substances such as frankincense resin and its essential oil maintain, we can discover benefits that go beyond aroma and ceremonial purposes.

Traditional medicine recommends frankincense because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Our understanding has expanded to include immune regulating properties, which might explain why it is used for both inflammatory sickness and antibacterial reasons. (4)

3. Myrrh

Myrrh, the most bittersweet of the presents, had been introduced to Egypt in large quantities for funeral ceremonies, and the practice had spread across the region. Myrrh was associated with death and burial even if it was not used in the mummification process. A depressing present for a new mother to grasp, but one that is lovely when viewed through the lens of her comprehension of his mission. But was it all that themyrrhwas meant to do? While myrrh was traditionally used for ceremonial purposes in the Middle East, it was also utilized for therapeutic purposes in the Far East.

  1. Myrrh was utilized in ancient China for similar purposes, including wound healing and hemorrhage control.
  2. In the same way that prophetic statements frequently had both immediate and long-term implications, it is possible that these talents followed a similar dual pattern.
  3. Whatever the case, it’s entertaining to be entertained — the subtleties of Scripture never fail to astound me!
  4. (6) While both the temple and Jesus’ improvised cradle were packed with fragrant compounds, they were also working to battle sickness and protect the people who lived in the vicinity.
  5. The three Magi, according to certain early church history documents, reunited years later to celebrate Christmas with one another, soon before they died.
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What Is the Significance of the Three Wise Men and Their Gifts?

Known as the most bittersweet of the presents, myrrh had been introduced into Egypt in large quantities for funeral ceremonies, and the practice had spread across the region. It was associated with death and burial even before the invention of mummification. An upsetting present for a new mother to receive, but one that is lovely when viewed through the lens of her comprehension of his mission. What did themyrrhwas serve, though? While myrrh was used for ceremonial purposes in the Middle East, it was also utilized for therapeutic purposes in the Far Eastern countries.

  • When it comes to wound healing and bleeding control, myrrh was employed in China for comparable objectives.
  • It is possible that these gifts followed a twofold pattern akin to that of prophetic words, which had both immediate and long-term significance.
  • However, it is entertaining to be entertained — the intricate details of Scripture never cease to astound me!
  • Sixth, while both the temple and Jesus’ improvised crib were packed with fragrant ingredients, they were also working to combat sickness and protect the people who lived there.
  • One theory about the three Magi, according to early church history literature, is that they reunited years later to spend Christmas together, soon before they died.
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What Was the Significance of Each of the Magi’s Gifts?

Known as the most bittersweet of the presents, myrrh had been introduced to Egypt in large quantities for funeral ceremonies, and the practice had spread across the region. Even in the absence of the mummification process, myrrh was associated with death and the afterlife. A depressing present for a new mother to hold, but one that is lovely when considered in the context of her knowledge of his mission. But was it all that themyrrhwas meant to be? While myrrh was used ceremonially in the Middle East, it was also employed for medical purposes in the Far East.

  1. Myrrh was also utilized in ancient China for similar purposes, including wound healing and hemorrhage control.
  2. Because prophetic statements frequently had both immediate and long-term implications, it is possible that these talents followed a similar dual pattern.
  3. However, it’s entertaining to be entertained — the intricate details of Scripture never cease to astound me!
  4. When fragrant compounds were used to fill the temple and the improvised cradle of Jesus, they were also used to protect the people who lived there.
  5. Some early church history documents assert that the three Magi, who were separated for many years, reunited to celebrate Christmas together soon before their deaths.
  6. FREE BOOK for All of Our Readers!
  7. Get a FREE copy of our #1 Bestselling Essential Oils Book, and we’ll show you how to use it!
  8. References:
See also:  How Jesus Actually Looked

What Is the Deeper Spiritual Meaning Behind These Gifts?

The ancient church believed that the three sorts of gifts clearly symbolized three fundamental characteristics of Christ’s personality, and therefore they were divided into three categories. In this case, the gold represents Jesus’ monarchy, the frankincense represents his divinity, and the myrrh represents his humanity. As a matter of fact, some have argued that the Magi “preached” the gospel in a concrete sense through the gifts they bestowed upon the infant Jesus. Whether they realized it or not, their presents represented the tale of God himself, who descended from Heaven in the form of our King (gold) to perform his priestly responsibilities (frankincense) and finally die for our sins (frankincense) (myrrh).

At the beginning of Jesus’ life, as well as at the conclusion of his life, when he was hanging on the cross (Mark 15:23) and subsequently being buried in the tomb, this element was given to him here (John 19:39).

And, as a result of his resurrection, we have the opportunity to have eternal life.

First and foremost, we must understand that the central message of the Magi tale, gift-giving, and the remainder of the Christmas (or Advent) holiday is that Jesus Christ came to earth to die in order to provide salvation for sinners — meaning people like you and me — who have fallen away from God (1 Timothy 1:15;Luke 19:10).

  • Second, just as the Three Wise Men replied to the heavenly light above them by going to Jesus and worshipping him, the Christmas season calls on all of us to respond to Jesus in one way or another during this season of giving.
  • This is due to the fact that Christmas provides us with the gospel, and the gospel demands that we respond to it.
  • We must, however, make a decision about what we will worship.
  • When we bow our hearts to him and put our precious “gifts” in front of him, we are expressing that he alone can fulfill our hearts, and this is because Jesus is the one true King.
  • Whoever goes in search of him will find him every time.” iStock/Getty Images Plus/Gama5 are credited with this image.
  • The couple has been married since 2008 and have three children, Brooklyn, Bryson, and Abram.
  • After completing his undergraduate studies at North Greenville University in South Carolina, Robert went on to complete his Masters at Liberty University in Virginia.
  • He has worked in a number of roles including worship pastor, youth pastor, family pastor, church planter, and presently Pastor of Worship and Discipleship at Cheraw First Baptist Church.

To serve God and His Church, he has set himself a life purpose of reaching the unreached with the gospel, discipling and inspiring others to go even farther in their spiritual journeys, and establishing a culture of multiplication for the glory of God. More information on him may be found here.

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.

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:

  • A well-known Christmas carol about three kings and the presents they brought to Christ’s birth is performed every year in our congregation. Because the Bible does not mention them as kings, the hymn is not strictly valid. According to the value of the gifts that they presented to Jesus, as well as a misunderstanding of the meaning of lines in Isaiah 60 that talk of the Millennial Kingdom, this supposition is likely to be correct. These guys are referred to as “smart men” in the Bible merely because of their wisdom (Matthew 2:1). 1-2 (Matt. 2:2) At the days of Herod the king, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem to inquire about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem in Judaea. They inquired about the whereabouts of the King of the Jews, who had just been born. We have come to worship him because we have seen his star in the east and we have followed it. 1 Matthew 2:11 (New International Version) 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. These gentlemen have wisdom and understanding. Time, talents, resources and testimony were all generously given by them.

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

The treasures that the three wise men brought were both valuable and significant in terms of prophetic significance. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are all presents fit for a king, according to the Bible. As a sign of Christ’s divinity as King, frankincense represents His purity as a Priest of God, and myrh depicts His anointed labor as a Prophet and the event of His death, gold is used to indicate His deity as King. Look at what the Bible says about these gifts and what we sing about in the Christmas hymn “We Three Kings” to have a better understanding.

Gold = Kingship of God

A substantial amount of money and prophetic significance was invested in the treasures that the wise men brought to the city. Gifts worthy of a king include gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While gold denotes the divinity of Christ in His role as King, frankincense symbolizes His purity in His role as Priest of God, and myrrh represents the anointing of Christ’s work as Prophet and His death, the other spices reflect their respective meanings.

Look at what the Bible says about these gifts and what we sing about in the Christmas hymn, “We Three Kings,” to have a better understanding.

Jesus proclaimed Himself as King:

The riches that the three wise men brought were of great worth and had prophetic significance. Gifts fit for a king include gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold depicts Christ’s deity as King, frankincense represents His purity as a Priest of God, and myrrh represents His anointed labor as a Prophet, as well as His death on the cross. Look at what the Bible says about these gifts and what we sing about in the Christmas hymn “We Three Kings” to see what we might learn.

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).

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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.

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

12.49 John the Baptist 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 when I should say it. Another image of the gift of myrrh is shown. Additionally, oil was used for the anointing of the dead, in addition to anointing prophets. At Jesus’ birth, myrrh was brought to him as a symbol of His life as a Prophet, and it was used at His death to prepare his body for burial. The book of Mark (16:1) has the following verses: So, after that day had passed, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome had gone out and purchased fragrant spices in order to come and anoint him.

19:39-41 Furthermore, Nicodemus arrived, who first arrived at Jesus’ home in the middle of the night, bringing with him an aloes-and-myrrh concoction weighing around 100 pounds.

In verse 4, the Three Kings say, “We Three Kings.” Its unpleasant fragrance comes from myrrh. Breathes a life of accumulating melancholy; sobbing, groaning, bleeding, dying, and dying. I was sealed away in the ice cold tomb of stones.

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.

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

In addition to being a display of riches, the magi’s gifts had a more profound significance. Jesus’ reign is symbolized by the gold on the cross. The Bible reads in Daniel 7:13-14, “As the visions during the night proceeded, I saw approaching with the clouds of heaven,” which means “coming with the clouds of heaven.” One who resembles a son of man, for example. Before the time he arrived at the Ancient of Days and was introduced to him, he was bestowed with dominion, glory, and majesty; all countries, people, and tongues will be devoted to him.

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

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.

  • 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.
  • For me, he takes on the nature of a living God.
  • They do not engage in dispute; instead, they proceed.
  • 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 yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall 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:

The Bible Thru the Eyes of a Child, by Dr. J. Vernon McGee, Nelson Publishing, 1983, vol. IV, p. 16.

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?

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