Message from Scripture: 6/6/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Matt. 2:11; “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.”

Typically, this time of year isn’t associated with the events of Christ’s birth. We don’t know the exact time Christ was born, be we do know He came into this world in flesh and blood, to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Some time after His birth, wise men, or Magi, from the East came to worship Him. What they would offer as gifts in homage and adoration would have significance as to who He was, as to where His life would lead.

One gift was gold, which is typically associated with royalty. This gift would be helpful in providing for the needs of this new family, but it also reflected their attitude toward Jesus as King of Kings, as they came to worship Him (Matt. 2:2).

A second gift they brought was frankincense, a fragrant gum that played an important role in the Old Testament priesthood, in the offering of sacrifices to God. It was an ingredient in an incense made only for the Lord (Ex. 30:34-38). It was to be added to grain offerings and offered on the altar to God (Lev. 2:1; 6:15). It was an appropriate gift to offer Jesus as Lord (1 Pet. 3:15).

The third gift was myrrh, a fragrant substance used for a variety of purposes but two especially in connection with Jesus. As an additive to wine, it was used to deaden pain (Mark 15:23). It was offered to Jesus to deaden the pain of His crucifixion, but he refused to take it, enduring every ounce of suffering our sins brought to Him. It was also used for embalming the dead, and was an ingredient in the spices designed for anointing Jesus' body (John 19:39-40). It played an important part in testifying to Jesus as our sacrifice for sins.

Jesus is our King, our Lord, and our sacrifice. Even from His youth, there is assurance of who He is and what He would accomplish for us. As the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). Have a great day. God bless.

Robert