What Did Jesus Get When He Was Born

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

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

Myrrh – the Death of Jesus

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

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

The Magi’s Gifts: Pointing to the Ultimate Gift

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

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

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. He died in June 2000 after a thirty-year tenure.

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What history really tells us about the birth of Jesus

It’s possible that I’m going to destroy your Christmas. Sorry. However, the fact is that those nativity performances in which your darling children are decked out in tinsel and angel wings bear little similarity to what truly occurred. This is also true of the typical Christmas card, which depicts a calm nativity scene. Traditions are collections of diverse narratives that represent a later Christian piety, and they are classified as such. So, what really transpired at that fabled “first Christmas” celebration?

The Christian church designated the day we commemorate as Christ’s birthday in the fourth century, and it has been celebrated ever since.

Contrary to common perception, which holds that Christians merely adopted a pagan celebration, historian Andrew McGowan thinks that the date was chosen because it was associated with Jesus’ crucifixion in the thoughts of ancient theologians.

The inn

Only two of the four gospels in the Bible make mention of Jesus’ conception. The tale of the angel Gabriel coming to Mary, the couple’s travel to Bethlehem in order to take part in a census, and the shepherds’ visit are all told in detail by Luke. With the Magnificat, her visit to her cousin Elizabeth, her personal meditation on the events, dozens of angels, and the infamous inn with no room among other things, this film is an absolute must-see for everyone who loves Mary. There is a long-standing misconception about the inn with “no space” in the Christmas tale, and this is one of the most common examples.

Joseph and Mary most likely stayed with family, but the guest room was too tiny for a delivery, and as a result, Mary gave birth in the main room of the home, which also happened to be where animal mangers were located.

The wise men

The account of Mary’s pregnancy is told in a similar way in Matthew’s gospel, albeit from a somewhat different perspective. When the angel visits to Joseph this time, he is informed that his fiancée Mary is pregnant, but that he must still marry her since it is part of God’s plan for him. Shepherds come to see Jesus as a symbol of his significance to common people, as Luke does, but the magi (wise men) from the east deliver Jesus royal presents, as Matthew does. There were most likely not three magi present, and they were certainly not kings.

  • The number three is derived from the mention of three gifts — gold, frankincense, and myrrh – during the Christmas season.
  • King Herod’s instructions to murder infant boys up to the age of two, according to the magi’s report regarding Jesus’s age, are recorded in Matthew 2:16, according to the Bible.
  • The presence of animals gathered around the newborn Jesus and Mary riding a donkey are conspicuously lacking from these biblical tales.
  • Whenever Christians now congregate around a crib or build up an elaborate nativity scene in their homes, they are carrying on a tradition that began with St.

He brought a crib and animals into the chapel so that everyone attending might feel like they were a part of the narrative. As a result, a popular pietistic tradition was established. Later art depicting the adoring of the infant Jesus displays a devotional spirituality that is akin to this.

A radical Christmas

So, when we strip the narrative down to its biblical and historical essence, removing the stable, the animals, the cherub-like angels, and even the inn, what do we have left? We have nothing. The historical Jesus was born into a Jewish family that was forced to live under a foreign rule. In his early years, he was born into an extended family that had moved away from home, and his family had fled from a monarch who had wanted to assassinate him due to his political significance. In its historical context, the story of Jesus is one of human fear and heavenly mercy, of human abuse and divine love, and of human abuse and divine love.

There is nothing wrong with the devotional piety of Christian tradition; but, a white-washed nativity tableau risks overlooking the most revolutionary components of the Christmas tale.

He, too, was a brown-skinned infant whose Middle-Eastern family had been forced to flee their home as a result of terror and political unrest.

One way to take pleasure in this gift is to watch lovely, if not historically accurate, nativity performances and take pleasure in all the other delights of the season.

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! )
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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.

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

  1. Our testimony of His love and faithfulness, together with everything He has done and given to us.makes us smart men as well!
  2. O star of wonder, star of night,Star of royal beauty shining bright,Westward leading, still proceeding,Guide us to thy flawless Light, O star of wonder, star of night, *}}} Please keep in mind that each of these three talents has a future prophetic type associated with it.
  3. Only the prophetic character of these gifts, which were given to Jesus at His birth and which were realized in His incarnation, was discussed in this article.
  4. We’ve seen the near fulfillment, and we’re keeping our eyes peeled for our Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13) and the distant fulfillment of His rule and reign on the earth, which we believe is still a long way off (Revelation 11:15).

Did The Wise Men (Magi) Arrive 12 Days After Jesus’ Birth? Or Was It Much Later?

“WHO Were the Wise Men?” has previously been discussed. as well as “HOW Did They Know?” Let us now explore the question, “WHEN DID THE WISDOM MEN ARRIVE?” “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” a classic Christmas carol, is about the twelve days of gift-giving that occur throughout the holiday season. Gifts are added to the list with each passing day, based on the day’s number. The most famous feature is the ringing chorus of “five golden rings,” which is sung on the fifth day of the festival. In addition to being a lovely tune to sing, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” also has a nice trivia question: How many gifts were given out during the song?

That is a significant number of presents.

A Theological Significance to the 12 Days of Christmas

The church has historically held that the 12 days between the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Magi indicate the period of time between the two events.

The celebrations begin on Christmas Day (or, in some traditions, the day following Christmas) and conclude with the feast of the Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6th this year.

The Feast of Epiphany

This feast day remembers the day the three wise men arrived at Jesus’ home and presented him with gifts. Some churches’ liturgical calendars refer to this day as “Three Kings’ Day,” which is a reference to the three kings of Saudi Arabia. Some traditions also say that the Feast of the Three Kings commemorates the day on which John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Is this, however, the case in reality?

What does the Bible say?

According to the gospel of Matthew, the Three Wise Men came from the Persian Empire (see Who were the Three Wise Men? for further information). While traveling to Jerusalem in search of the Christ child, they were guided by a bright light in the sky. When they came, they approached King Herod and enquired about the location of the one and only “born King of the Jews” (Mat 2:2). Then, guided once more by the light, they ultimately discovered the infant near the spot where the star had come to rest.

Arrival After The Dedication of Jesus?

Mary and Joseph carried their kid to the temple in order for him to be dedicated to the Lord, as prescribed by the Law of Moses. 2:22 (Luke 2:22) As soon as the days of her purification stipulated by the Law of Moses were over, they carried him to Jerusalem to offer him to the Lord; the period for this dedication was expressly defined by the Law of Moses (Lev 12:2-4). After the birth of Jesus, the days of Mary’s purification were to take place at least 40 days later. A lady was considered filthy for seven days after giving birth.

After then, it was necessary to wait 33 days before a woman’s purification was complete.

12:6 (Lev 12:6) If she is expecting a son or a daughter, when the days of her purification are completed, she is required to bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove, for a sin offering, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to the priest:This offering was to be made before the Lord, in order to make atonement for the woman and to cleanse her from the issue of blood.

What an appropriate offering it would be to make “a lamb of the first year” and a bird of prey (a young pigeon or a turtledove).

There was also a provision created for individuals who could not afford to make a lamb offering.

An Offering of Birds by Mary and Joseph

It is recorded in Luke 2:24 that Mary made an offering of birds (plural). That Mary and Joseph did not have the sufficient means to purchase a lamb for their burned offering is an evidence of their financial inability. It has long been speculated that if the Three Wise Men had visited 12 days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph would have been presented with the priceless gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. If this had been the case, Mary would have been able to present a blood sacrifice in the shape of a lamb to the Lord in order to cleanse herself.

The Wise Men could not have come before that period, based on the Bible’s description of the dedication of Jesus and the purification of Mary, which occurred at least 40 days after Jesus’ birth.

Arrival When Jesus was Two Years Old?

Some believe that the Wise Men did not visit until Jesus was two years old and was residing in a home in Nazareth, rather than when he was born. This is based on Matthew 2:11-11, to be precise. When the Three Wise Men “went into the home and saw the little boy,” we are informed that they were “astonished.” When you combine that with Herod’s command that all children under the age of two should be put to death, it’s easy to see why some believe Jesus was close to two years old when the Three Wise Men came.

  1. There isn’t any proof to back up this claim.
  2. The Greek term paidion, which is translated as “little kid,” is used by Matthew to describe a small child.
  3. The assumption of Jesus’ age in accordance with Herod’s order is also dubious.
  4. Keep in mind that the Wise Men were meant to report back to Herod on their findings (Matt 2:8).

The Wise Men “Came Into the House”

We know that Jesus was born in a stable, which was a facility that housed animals. The location may have been a stable or a cave, but the most likely location was the bottom floor of a relative’s house, where animals were housed during the colder months. The word “inn” that we translate as “upper room” comes from the Greek word for “lower level,” and it has been hypothesized that Mary and Joseph stayed in the lower level of a Bethlehem house, and that after all of the guests who had been there for the census had left, the relatives invited Mary and Joseph to the upper room where they were welcomed.

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for more information on this topic).

As a result, it’s plausible that the Wise Men were guided to Nazareth by the star, but it’s improbable that their journey would have taken more than two years.

The Timing

It seems undeniable that the story of the Three Wise Men arriving 12 days after Jesus’ birth is inaccurate. The time does not seem to be right. Because Mary and Joseph were devoted Jews, if they had received the beautiful gifts of great value from the Three Wise Men, they might have sold part of the gold, frankincense, or myrrh and used the proceeds to purchase a lamb to sacrifice to God.

Instead, they offered birds, with the offering intended for the impoverished who did not have the financial resources to purchase a lamb on their behalf.

Conclusion

So, how long did it take the Wise Men to get to Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth? We simply do not know what to do. The available evidence, on the other hand, is adequate to conclude that it was not 12 days. It would have taken more than 40 days, but it would have taken less time than two years. When it comes to Jesus, we know from the Wise Men that the right reaction is to bow our heads and worship him. When the Wise Men discovered Him, they bowed down and worshipped Him, regardless of His age at the time.

*}}}

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. They were definitely gifts worthy for a king, and their immense value was the most important aspect of the gifts’ symbolic meaning.
  4. 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

As was traditional for royal visits, the wise men arrived with precious presents intended to be given to the newborn king in his honor. As it is now, gold was a highly prized item in the ancient world as it is today. The acquisition of gold was one of the most important markers of wealth among the various sorts of assets mentioned in the Bible (such as precious metals, animals, servants, jewels, and so on) (cf.Genesis 13:2, Ecclesiastes 2:8). Because of its rarity and high worth, gold was particularly linked with monarchy and aristocracy, as can be seen in 1 Kings 10 when the Queen of Sheba pays a visit to King Solomon and presents him with vast sums of gold.

Some have speculated that the wise men’s gift of gold may have predicted another part of Jesus’ mission, in addition to highlighting his royal status.

In the same way, the incarnation of Jesus foreshadowed the presence of God—Immanuel—as well as the sacrifice of atonement he would make on their behalf when he died on the cross.

Because, according to 1 Kings 6:20-22, the walls of the Most Holy Place and the altar within it were totally covered with—you guessed it—gold, the wise men may have been thinking about this link when they made their visit.

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The only incense authorized on the altar was a particular combination of spices blended with “pure frankincense” (v.
  • 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?

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

The Birth of Jesus

Matthew chapters 1 and 2, and Luke chapters 1 and 2.

An Angel Visits Mary

The angel Gabriel appeared to Maryand said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. Youwill conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Hewill be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” (TNIV)

A young Jewish woman named Mary was approached by an angel named Gabriel one day some 2,000 years ago. The angel was named Gabriel. The angel Gabriel informed Mary that she would be the mother of a boy named Jesus, who would be the Son of God! Despite the fact that she was befuddled and concerned by the unexpected news, Mary had confidence in God and answered, “I am the Lord’s servant; let it be as you say.”

Journey to Bethlehem

Mary and her future husband, Joseph, resided in a town named Nazareth around the time of Jesus’ birth. In order to register for a census ordered by the Romanemperor, Caesar Augustus, they were required to go to Bethlehem, which they did. Both Nazareth and Bethlehem are located inside the borders of what is now known as Israel. The distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers), and the journey probably took them many days. In Bethlehem, when Joseph and Mary arrived, there was no place for them to stay because the inn had already been fully booked.

It’s likely that there was fresh hay on the floor, which they utilized as beds.

Because there was no cot available, they placed the newborn Jesus in a manger, which was a food dish for animals.

Shepherds Visit Jesus

Jesus was born in a stable and laidto sleep in a manger. The shepherds came to see firsthand the things theangel had told them.

Some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem on that particular night, keeping an eye on their flocks of sheep. They were visited by an angel who brought them the joyful news that a Savior, the Messiah, had been born to them. The shepherds were instructed by an angel that they would be able to discover Jesus laying in a manger. All of a sudden, a large number of angels arrived and began to sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among mankind!” After a hasty journey into Bethlehem, the shepherds discovered Jesus in the manger, just as the angel had said.

Wise Men Visit Jesus

Wise men from the East came to worshipJesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

A few years later, wise men from eastern countries, known as ormagi, witnessed a star in the sky that heralded the birth of a new emperor. They traveled to Judea, the region around the cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, to worship Jesus, the new king, and to learn more about him. The king of Judea was a guy by the name of Herod. He summoned the wise men to a conference and instructed them to track out the new king so that he may pay his respects to him as well. The wise men proceeded on their journey to Bethlehem, where they followed the star until it was precisely above the home where Jesus was being raised.

They gave presents to Jesus in the form of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which were considered to be among the greatest things in the ancient world.

In order to produce a delicious scent, Frankincense was burned, and Myrrh was used to manufacture luxury perfume. Following their encounter with Jesus, the wise men had a dream in which they were cautioned not to return to King Herod, prompting them to choose an alternate path home.

Journey to Egypt

When King Herod informed the three wise men that he desired to worship Jesus, he was lying. He was concerned that this new “king” would usurp his position as monarch of Judea. He was unaware that Jesus would grow up to be the king of God’s spiritual kingdom, rather than the monarch of Judea, as he had assumed. What Herod actually desired was to track down and kill Jesus! When Herod discovered that the three wise men had not returned to inform him where to find Jesus, he became enraged. He dispatched his men to Bethlehem with the orders to murder any infants under the age of two, believing that Jesus would almost likely be among those slaughtered.

See also:  What Are The Two Greatest Commandments According To Jesus

Joseph relocated Mary and Jesus to Egypt, where they would be safe from Herod’s persecution.

Question

Is it true that Jesus was born on Christmas Day? We commemorate the birth of Jesus on Christmas, yet no one is certain of the precise day of Jesus’ birth, or even the year in which Jesus was born. In 336 A.D., the Western Church, centered in Rome, chose December 25 as the day to commemorate “Christ’s Mass,” which means “Christ’s sacrifice.” The Eastern Church picked the sixth of January. The holiday was dubbed Epiphany, which literally translates as “appearance.” The time between December 25 and January 6 became known as the Twelve Days of Christmas as a result of this tradition.

Lessons

The legends of Jesus’ birth serve as a connection between the past and the present. Considering the circumstances of Jesus’ birth, it seems clear that He fulfilled the Old Testament predictions about a coming Messiah (Isaiah7:14, Matthew 1:23). He was born in the city of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:5-6). He had been summoned out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:15). When Jesus was born, it was in a stable, which was the most basic of settings. In a similar vein, Jesus demonstrated how God’s favor is reserved for the impoverished and disadvantaged.

Gentiles would eventually make up the majority of the Christian world in the future.

Why Did the Wise Men Bring Gifts to Jesus?

The biblical narrative of Jesus’ birth tells of three wise men journeying a long way from the east to offer gifts to the infant Christ child at Bethlehem. When giving gifts to a tiny child, what is the motivation behind it? Who did these gentlemen suppose they were paying homage to?

Confused customs

The Bible does not specify the precise number of wise men that came to see Jesus at His birth in a manger, and they were not present at His birth in a manger, as is commonly represented in nativity scenes every December. Now, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of Herod the Great, behold, wise men from the East traveled to Jerusalem to pay homage to the newborn king. 11 When they entered the house, they were amazed to see the little Child with Mary, His mother, and they immediately dropped on their knees and worshiped Him.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV).

“Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of Herod the Great, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem to worship him.” When they entered the house, they were amazed to see the little Child with Mary, His mother, and they immediately dropped on their knees and worshiped Him.

There are many others.

Read some of these eye-opening evaluations of frequently held traditions to have a better understanding of them.

What prompted these gentlemen to believe it was suitable to make a presentation? What were they looking for, and why had they traveled such a long distance to find him? The answer exposes an often-overlooked fact about the Son of God that is worth considering.

Gifts fit for a king

2. “Where has He gone who was born King of the Jews?” they inquired. It is for this reason that we have come to worship Him after having seen His star in the East.” The New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>Matthew 2:2 informs us that the wise men came in search of a king. The New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”> When they were asked where they could locate the Savior of mankind, they didn’t say anything.

  • Because of the Christian tradition’s 2,000-year history, the majority of people now conceive of Jesus only in terms of being the one who “takes away the sin of the world” (29).
  • The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
  • Of course, He went ahead and did it.
  • However, there is another position that Christ will play that is sometimes ignored, but one that is consistently stressed in the Gospels: that of a governing monarch over a kingdom of nations.
  • Luke 1:32 New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>The Holy Bible, New King James Version”>Luke 1:32.
  • In fact, this was exactly what the followers of Jesus were expecting (21 ).
  • Indeed, on top of everything else, today marks the third day since these events occurred.
  • Consequently, after they had gathered, they approached Him and asked: “Lord, would You return the kingdom to Israel at this time?” He replied affirmatively.
  • New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>The Holy Bible, New King James Version”>Acts 1:6).

Looking for the Messiah …

The Jews had been looking forward to the arrival of the Messiah for a long time. He would be a descendant of David, and he would bring in the predicted age of restored grandeur in a new kingdom (6:1). It is because of this that we have a Child, that we have been given a Son, and that the government will rest on His shoulders. And His name will be Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, among other titles. The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV).

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV) “Isaiah 11:2 and 13 are two of the most important verses in the Bible.

He arrived at the Temple of the Ancient of Days, and the priests drew Him close to Him.

His dominion is an immortal dominion that will never be destroyed, and his kingdom is a kingdom that will never be destroyed as long as the earth exists.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV) “Matt. 21:4-5 (King James Version).

The Son of God

Only a few people today realize that when a first-century Jew heard the term “son of God,” he was more likely to think of worldly rulership and divine appointment than of a position in the heavenly hierarchy. Biblically, the term “son of God” can refer to any exclusive relationship with God (the angels are referred to as “sons of God” in 6). There came a time when the sons of God gathered to show themselves before the Lord, and Satan was there among them. The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV).

Afterwards, you are to inform Pharaoh that the Lord has said, “Israel is My son, My firstborn.” The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV) “(See Exodus 4:22.) However, the phrase had a greater significance in the context of the Messiah, who was the descendant of David.

  • In the name of the Lord, I will proclaim the decree: You are My Son, and today I have begotten You, says the Lord to me.
  • “Psalm 2:7 is a verse from the Bible.
  • I will establish your offspring after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his dominion after your days are completed and you have gone to rest with your fathers.
  • 14 In this relationship, I will be his Father, and he will be My son.
  • 15 But My kindness will not be taken away from him, as it was taken away from Saul, whom I withdrew from the scene before you.
  • It is said, ‘Your throne shall be maintained for all time.'” New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version, published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson “(See also 2 Samuel 7:12-16).
  • When David his father died, Solomon succeeded him as king on God’s throne, and all of Israel bowed their heads in submission to him.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV) “(See 1 Chronicles 29:23.) At some point, fulfilling this position would be considered a beautiful messianic function.

And, in a kingly or messianic sense, He was the ultimate Son of God—the One who was divinely chosen to be the heir to David’s throne—as well as the ultimate Son of Man.

You are the King of Israel!” says Nathaniel in verse 49.

You are the King of Israel!” says Nathaniel in verse 49.

You are the King of Israel!” exclaimed the crowd in awe.

It appears that the phrases were synonymous in his mind. He grew to think that Jesus was the predicted son of David for whom Israel had been waiting; the One who was destined to restore the majesty of David’s (God’s) earthly throne to its former splendor.

Born—King of the Jews

The Jews already had a monarch at the time of Christ’s birth, and his name was Herod. He reigned as a vassal under the authority of the Romans, yet he was recognized as a king nonetheless. What did the three wise men say when they arrived in search of Jesus? “Where is He who was born King of the Jews?” says the prophet. In the days of Herod the king, following Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem of Judea, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” It is for this reason that we have come to worship Him after having seen His star in the East.” The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV).

The Bible says (Matthew 2:11-14).

Herod, completely disregarding any spiritual implications of Christ’s birth, recognized the threat to his own throne and attempted to kill Jesus, but was unsuccessful (12 Then, after being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they left for their own country in a different way).

  1. 14 When he arose, he took the small Child and His mother by night and fled to Egypt, 15 where he remained until the death of Herod, in order that the words declared by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I summoned My Son,” could be fulfilled.
  2. He dispatched an army and executed all of the male children who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding districts who were two years old or younger, in accordance with the time that he had determined from the wise men, according to their estimates.
  3. While interrogating Jesus at His mock trial, the high priest said, “I swore on the altar of the living God that You are the Christ, the Son of God: Tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God!” (63 But Jesus remained deafeningly silent.
  4. His interrogation by the high priest was most likely not about His divinity, but rather about how He could be charged with treason for saying that He was Israel’s king, the Messiah (67).
  5. 68 And if I ask you a question, you will by no means respond or allow Me to go.
  6. The high priest then informed Pilate that Jesus had claimed to be a king (2 Corinthians 11:1).
  7. It was he who responded, saying, “It is as you say.” New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>Luke 23:2-3).

33 Afterwards, Pilate reentered the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Pilate then exited the Praetorium.

“Hail, King of the Jews!” they cried out at that point.

14 There were six hours left till it was Passover Preparation Day, and it was the sixth hour.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and contains the following verses: John 19:3, 14).

In addition, the soldiers placed a crown of thorns on His head, and they dressed Him in a purple robe, which they twisted themselves.

The writing on the wall read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE.

New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version 1982 by Thomas Nelson”>John 19:2, 19). New King James Version (NKJV) When viewed from a Roman and Jewish viewpoint, the whole context of Jesus’ death revolved around His claim to be a king of Israel rather than a Savior of mankind.

Christ’s Kingdom still to come

Humans can be reconciled to God, have their sins forgiven, and finally be allowed eternal life in the Kingdom of God because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as our Savior. His arrival on our planet, however, was as the King of that Kingdom—theKing of Kings and Lord of Lordswho would reign on this planet during the approaching millennium. Christ will reign over the nations from Jerusalem, on the throne of David that has been restored (32 He will be renowned, and he will be known as the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will grant Him the throne of David, which he will sit on.

And there were thunderous voices in heaven proclaiming, “The kingdoms of this world have been transformed into the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever!” The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson and is known as the New King James Version (NKJV) “Revelation 11:15 (New International Version).

You may discover more about this wonderful Kingdom of God and how God is preparing individuals to rule with Christ at that time by reading the enlightening writings on these themes that can be found here on this website.

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