ICS Daily Devotions
3 Wise Men and Their Gifts
We have probably heard of the three wise men who came in search of Jesus after He was born. They were astrologers who studied the stars that portended certain events. They found Him, worshiped Him and presented three gifts to Him.
Matthew 2:1-2,10-11 (NKJV) 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 have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”…. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (emphasis added)
They fell down and worshiped Jesus which was not a normal civil homage to a Jewish king. It was a spiritual homage because their actions proved it when they opened their treasures and presented them to Jesus. In these three gifts we see who Jesus is, what He came to do and what it cost Him.
Firstly, they presented gold to Jesus who is the King of kings.
Revelation 17: 14 (NKJV) These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” (emphasis added)
Secondly, they presented “Frankincense” which is an aromatic resin. Frankincense was often used by the priest in the temple for sacrifice. Jesus came as the High Priest and also as the sacrificial lamb for our sins.
Hebrews 9:11-12 (NKJV) But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (emphasis added)
Jesus is our great High Priest who offered up His blood as the ultimate sacrifice in the heavenly tabernacle. He is seated at the right hand of the Heavenly Father because His ultimate sacrifice has brought about peace between God and men.
Thirdly, they presented “myrrh” which was used in perfumed ointments and the embalmment of the dead. The purpose of Jesus’ birth was to be the ultimate sacrifice through His death on the cross.
These 3 gifts tell us about Jesus’ title, His humility to become a sacrifice, and ultimately His obedience unto death.
The three wise men came in search for Jesus, knelt down in worship when they found him. They didn’t come in search of favor from Him. They came to worship Him for who He is. There must have been a reverential awe of God in that manger that day! Do we have a reverential awe of God? Do we physically just come to church during Christmas, New Year and Easter but our hearts are far away from Him? God wants a heart that is 100% devoted to Him, all of our heart, soul and mind.
Christmas is a time for us to remind ourselves that God came in great humility. He came with the purpose of dying for us and saving us. He came because He loved us. Let us respond with a heart of gratitude and worship.
Sermon Series : Christmas 2018
