What Are The Three 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

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 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. Let’s have a look at what they signify.

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.
  • It’s possible that Jesus handed it to the impoverished.
  • Photograph courtesy of Pexels/Pixabay

Frankincense for a High Priest

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest of Israel offered incense in the Temple of Jerusalem. It is one interpretation of this deed in particular that I find appealing. To fill the Holy of Holies with smoke and conceal God, who lived on the mercy seat between the cherubim, in order for the high priest to be present in the presence of God without dying, the smoke of incense was used. It was necessary to die in order to see God. According to tradition, the incense was supposed to keep the high priest from dying.

Using a prohibited source of flame or burning anything other than wood was considered “strange fire,” and it was punished by death (Leviticus 10:1).

It is impossible to emphasize the significance of this second gift.

As a result, the two authorities were to be maintained as independent entities.

This is stated more clearly in the New Testament book of Hebrews where the author asserts that Jesus is of the order of Melchizedek, who was both priest and king to his people. Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Max Michatz.

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.

  1. Her given name turns out to be predictive as well.
  2. In the book of Revelation, the term myrrh is used a second time in a different context.
  3. Smyrna is the name of the city, which derives from the Greek word for myrrh.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. The study of the gifts of the magi is a research that will never be completed.
  7. It was a research project that I performed before to writing The End of the Magi.
  8. Come, have a look at Him!
  9. Awarded author Patrick W.
  10. 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.

Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh – The Truth About Their Significance

Everywhere you look this month, you’ll see children acting out the nativity scene, and at the conclusion of the star-guided journey, you’ll see the Three Wise Men, dressed in dazzling dress-up robes and bearing a gift for each child. The Magi are a part of our Christmas customs, but there is a lot to learn about their role in the birth, particularly regarding the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh they brought with them. What is the importance of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh in the New Testament?

Biblical Account of the Magi

Biblical academics and theologians have proposed a variety of interpretations on the significance of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the magi brought to Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew, since the early days of Christianity” (2:11). In the ancient world, rich commodities such as gold as a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil were traditional presents to be given to a monarch or a god as a mark of respect. In fact, these identical three objects were reportedly among the presents that King Seleucus II Callinicus presented to the deity Apollo at the temple of Miletus in 243 B.C.E., according to ancient records.

  1. (See Isaiah 60:6 for further information).
  2. Since then, academics have pondered and argued the issues surrounding them.
  3. What was the meaning of the presents given to the children?
  4. The fact of the matter is that we will never know (for certain) the truth regarding gold, frankincense, and myrrh, nor why the Magi traveled half-way across the world to honor the Christ Child with their gifts of these precious substances.
  5. The Magi (which can be rendered as “magician” but is most commonly translated as “wise man”) come in Matthew 2 after traveling from “the east” in quest of the Baby King.
  6. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they immediately rushed to Herod to inquire as to the whereabouts of the Baby.
  7. We don’t know when the visit took place, but we do know that they had been following the star for an extended period of time — maybe as long as two years.
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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.

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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.

  • Myrrh was utilized in ancient China for similar purposes, including wound healing and hemorrhage control.
  • 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.
  • Whatever the case, it’s entertaining to be entertained — the subtleties of Scripture never fail to astound me!
  • (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.
  • 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.

  1. When it comes to wound healing and bleeding control, myrrh was employed in China for comparable objectives.
  2. It is possible that these gifts followed a twofold pattern akin to that of prophetic words, which had both immediate and long-term significance.
  3. However, it is entertaining to be entertained — the intricate details of Scripture never cease to astound me!
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
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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 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.

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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.

  • 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 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.

These men were smart beyond their years. 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

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

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 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.

Jesus is our King, and He governs and reigns in our hearts when we submit to His authority. 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

Myrrh was a spice that was utilized in medicine, cosmetics, and anointing oil in ancient times. It was added to the oil that was used to anoint prophets before they began their divinely assigned task of exposing God and expressing His will and messages to His people on behalf of the people of God. As a Prophet, Jesus came to the country of Israel (Matthew 15:24), and He did so in fulfillment of a prophesy of Moses that read: Deuteronomy 18:15 is a biblical verse. The LORD thy God will raise up for thee a Prophet from among thee, one of thy brethren, who will be similar unto me; and unto Him you shall pay attention.

He claimed to be a Prophet in His own right, stating, “I am the Prophet.” Luke 13:33 (NIV) Nevertheless, I must walk today, tomorrow, and the day after that, for it is not possible for a prophet to expire outside of Jerusalem’s city walls.

“But a prophet is not without honor, save in his own nation and in his own family,” Jesus responded to their question.

  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.
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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.

In verse 4, the Three Kings say, “We Three Kings.” Myrrh is mine, and its harsh fragrance is mine. 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 (speaking God’s words), Jesus came into the world to fulfill his mission. The gifts of the three wise men represented each of those offices in prophetic typology, and they pointed to everything that Jesus would accomplish in His incarnation and glorification 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 perfect 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 aspect of these gifts, which were given to Jesus at His birth and which were fulfilled 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 far fulfillment of His rule and reign on the earth, which we believe is still a long way off (Revelation 11:15).

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. Clothes are the most uninteresting thing there is.

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.

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.

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.

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).

By giving those presents, the Queen honored Solomon as a great King, and by offering their adoration and lavish royal gifts to Jesus, the Magi worshiped Jesus as their great Sovereign and King as well. 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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