Matthew 2: 1-12

Matthew now introduces and tells us the account of the Magi who travel from the east to seek and find the Christ child, following an incredible star as their only guide. They must have been men of great wealth in order to embark on such a long journey that would have taken months. Upon “hearing” about the birth of this new king, they “saw”, they “went”, they “asked” which means they responded with all of their being.

Further unpacking the story reveals that upon arriving at the home of Mary and Joseph where they were living with the young Christ child, they knelt down “in the presence of the child and worshipped. Then they presented the child with gifts consisting of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their worship and their gifts bear great significance for us. Why?

First, these magi were not Jews. I did not research what countries they originated from, therefore, these men of must have had great standing in their home countries, who heard of some great news and “went”…”came” to find for themselves who this new king was that was born in a far away land. Secondly, though they were not Jews or citizens of Jesus’ country, they still acknowledged Him as royalty–a king–and worshipped. I don’t think they thought they were giving proper honor to an earthly king; I think that God revealed His majesty and glory in the person of His Son while in the presence of Jesus. Why do I believe this? A careful look at their gifts gives us an answer, a prophetic one.

The first gift was gold. Gold was considered a precious metals for kings. How often do we read in scripture where Jesus is called the King of Kings? And, on the day of his crucifixion the soldiers wrote “King of the Jews” on the wooden plank that was above His head.

The second gift was frankincense. This expensive essential oil was mixed with olive oil to anoint the priests who served in the Temple. By presenting this fragrant oil to Jesus, the magi were pointing to Him as becoming our High Priest.

The third gift was myrrh and perhaps the strangest. Myrrh was used for embalming. Why would someone give a substance used in death to a young child? This gift was a prophetic one in nature, a foreshadowing of what lie ahead for the Christ, the reason He was born, the culmination of a holy plan birthed in Heaven, birthed on earth, bathed in the mysterious and miraculous plan of salvation that only a holy God could create and execute.

The magi’s curiosity and obedience offer us a wonderful example of how to respond to the news of Christ. We don’t have a star to guide us to Him but God has made a way for every person to “hear” and “see” that His Son is the Christ. We have the scriptures inspired by the Holy Spirit. Upon hearing the news of Christ, how will you respond. What gifts do you offer?