“Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh”
“Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh”
Matthew 2:11 “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
The wise men had come a good distance to see this child who would be the savior of the world. When they finally came to Bethlehem and were able to witness Jesus for themselves they fell down and worshipped him and then gave him three distinct gifts. These gifts reveal three distinct positions this child would fulfill while on earth. They were certainly appropriate gifts as we shall see. First, Gold was given, acknowledgement of his royalty, he was a king not just of the Jews but of the nations. Second, Frankincense was given, (it is the only oil that is compatible with all other oils) acknowledgement of his diety, he was God in flesh. Through this child’s life man would be able to fellowship with God. God now dwelt amongst man, in Jesus Christ. Frankincense was always burned at the temple to the Lord (Exodus 30:34-37). This is why they fell down and worshipped the child when they saw him. Third, Myrrh was given, acknowledgement of his humanity and the suffering he would have to endure for mankind to be saved. Myrrh was an oil often used to embalm the dead (John 19:39,40). Myrrh had a sweet smell to it (Song of Solomon 5:13). The plant had to be crushed for this oil to be produced but its value was worth the work and sacrifice. We understand that our Lord’s human body was to be an offering a sacrifice for us. Through his death would come a balm that would save and salvage men from sin. These wise men must have known what lay ahead for this Holy child. Their gifts reveal a lot about themselves. Note that in Matthew 2:1 God calls these men wise. If God calls them wise surely it would behoove us to learn from these men. “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” Proverbs 13:20. If we are to follow their example then we ought to give gifts that reveal Jesus as king, God, and Savior. You say, “well how is this done?” We must realize that the most important thing we can do is believe he is our Savior, God, and King. This belief will put us to action. If we don’t act then we don’t really believe. Give him your heart, submit to him as your king this is greater than gold. “Where your treasure is their will your heart be also” If he has your heart he will be your king. Second, worship him. John 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” This is your frankincense. Finally learn to die to self and live for him. This is how he can live through you and win souls. Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” This is your myrrh. These are the kind of gifts wise men gave to the Lord Jesus Christ.
