Mathew 2:10-15
Verse 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
We have talked a bit about this entourage that came to visit Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Yesterday we talked about how they worshiped the young Child but they also brought gifts and that is what we are going to talk about today.
These gifts were not the average gifts brought for a toddler. I’m sure none of us have witnessed these unwrapped at our children’s parties and yet these gifts we not random nor were they without divine purpose. In fact they seem to have a dual purpose in their fulfillment of prophecy. Actually they give a sort of prophecy of their own.
We’ll start by looking at the frankincense. This fragrant resin substance was used in worship in the Tabernacle and Temple. In fact, there are only three references in the Bible where it isn’t being used for worship and all three of those references are in Song of Solomon. The men bringing this item from afar was a sign of Jesus being worthy of worship. It spoke of His being Deity and their knowing this was evidenced by their worship as we talked about yesterday.
Next we look at the myrrh. This resin based item was more pungent and medicinal in fragrance and was often used in the burial process. It was strong enough to overpower the smell of the decaying body. While we talk about people being buried that was basically impossible in the rock of Israel’s ground. Therefore the bodies would be bound with spices and cloth and laid on the slab of a tomb which in some cases was a cave like space. After the body had decomposed sufficiently the bones would be collected and placed in a box like item and put on a shelf in the tomb. The prophecy of this gift is pointing to His crucifixion where he was offered a vinegar wine with myrrh in it (Mark 15:23) and His death where myrrh was used in His burial (John 19:39-40).
Next is the gold. This may seem like the most logical of the gifts but it also spoke of more than just a resource to pay for the needs of a young family far from home. This gift came at the perfect time as God was about to keep another prophecy about His Son.
Making It Personal
What does it mean to you that these men saw the importance of worshiping Him in the way God had told His people to worship? When you come to God in worship do care more about His desires of worship or what is more convenient or comfortable to you? What does His death mean for you?
Making It Personal Kids
Did you know that Jesus has specific ways for you to worship Him? What are some ways He wants you to worship Him? Is Jesus’ dying important for you?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for once again pointing out things in the details of life. Help us pay close attention and be on the lookout for things that You are doing in our lives every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.