Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: "'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
This is an amazing story! First off, the story is slightly different than the story people always tell in Christmas pageants and plays. The wise men didn't come to the stable where Jesus was born, but to the house the child was staying in, most likely when Jesus was a few months or even a year old. Since they were traveling from a far country (most likely Persia) it would have taken them a while to travel (especially since they didn't have airplanes then.). So it makes since that they would've come later. It is also always assumed that there were 3 wise men. Why? The Bible says nothing about how many there were. Most people assume that because there were 3 gifts. And there may have been 3 magi. But there could've also been more. We know that there was more than 1 (wise men, not wise man). And most likely more than 2 because traveling with only 2 people would've probably been hard and dangerous. The more people the better. It would have been safer in those times to travel with a caravan then to travel alone or with only 1 other person.
The gifts that the wise men give Jesus are also significant. The Gold shows Jesus' kingship. Frankincense shows that Jesus will be the suffering servant. And Myrrh foretells His death, burial, and resurrection.
Gold
Gold was a gift for royalty. Giving gold to Jesus was a sign that the magi worshiped Him as a royal and reigning King! Not only as one who would someday become king, but as one who was and is and always will be King! Jesus is the King of kings!
Frankincense
Frankincense was a gift of worship. A gift for a priest. It was used to mix in with sacrifices and offerings. Jesus is our High Priest. He is the one who reconciles us to God. He is our offering. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for us!
Myrrh
Myrrh was a gift of suffering. Jesus would be the suffering Savior. He would die, be buried, and then on the 3rd day be raised!
I don't know if the wise men knew the significance of each gift they brought, but I do know that God is sovereign over every detail, even the little details!
We get the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas from the gifts of the magi. The first Christmas gift ever given was from them, and when we give gifts to others at Christmas may we remember the very first Christmas gifts ever: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And may we remember what these gifts mean about who Jesus is: our King, our Priest, and our Savior!
One more significant thing from the story of the wise men is that they were not Israelites. Jesus was born and through Him we have the New Covenant. God has invited the Gentiles (non-Jews) into His kingdom. All (gentiles and Jews alike) who call upon His name will be saved! From any nation, tribe, language, or tongue, if you repent and believe you will receive salvation!
Like the Magi we can seek Jesus so that we can worship Him as our King, Priest, and Savior!
May you be wise like the magi and never stop seeking and worshiping your Savior, Jesus Christ!
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