When a new baby is born, the family frequently gets gifts from friends and relatives to honor the occasion. Often the gift is baby clothes, perhaps some baby toys, or maybe even a stroller, high chair, or some other baby equipment. Sometimes a talented person might make something for the newborn, putting a lot of thought and effort into their gift. In our Scripture today we read of some gifts that were given to the Lord Jesus after His birth by several strangers. Today’s Scripture describes this event, which is also known as the Feast of Epiphany.
Most Christians are familiar with the account of the Wise Men who saw the star of Bethlehem, and searched for the Baby Jesus, bringing with them gifts to honor Him. Sometimes people have referred to these men as three kings. However, they were not kings, or rulers of any country. These men were magi, which were most likely Zoroastrian priests from ancient Persia. They were highly intelligent and well-educated, and part of their learning was studying the stars and planets at night, charting the movements of the heavenly bodies. They were also very familiar with the Jewish Scriptures, particularly following the captivity of the Jews by Babylon and Persia.
When these Magi suddenly saw this new star in the sky (vs 2), they knew by divine revelation that this was the star prophesied by Balaam in Numbers 24:17. This star, whether a natural phenomena of the conjuncture of several stars or planets, or whether it was a miraculous star, was there to honor God as Creator. The Magi followed the star by faith, not knowing where this would lead.
When in the Holy Land, the Magi first went to the capital, Jerusalem. Enquiring about the birth of a new king, King Herod became upset, seeing this birth as a threat to his throne (vs. 3-8). Herod was an evil king, who even put to death sons and one of his wives. Many of the Jews at this time, particularly devout ones, did not like Herod. They felt he had no right to be king since he was not descended from David, and not even fully Jewish. When Herod got the information about where the Scriptures said the Messiah was to be born (vs. 4-6), which was found in Micah 5:2, he sent them on their way, stating he wished to worship the Messiah, as well. Anyone can pretend to love God, but the proof is in a person’s character, and Herod’s was evil.
When the Magi arrived at the home of Mary and Joseph, it must have been a shock to them that these distinguished, foreign visitors had come. Then there would have been even more surprise when they saw the odd gifts they brought to honor the birth of their Son (vs. 11). These were not typical gifts that anyone gave for the birth of a baby, whether today, or even back then. However these gifts had special significance. Let’s take a look.
There were three gifts given, which is why we typically think of three Magi, or wise men, though the Scriptures never gave a specific number. The gifts are symbols of Jesus’ identity. The first was gold. Gold is a gift for a king. It is a gift of great value. These men were willing to give everything to God, because He alone is worthy.
The second gift was frankincense. Incense is a gift for deity. Frankincense comes from the resin of the olibanum tree, which is found in the southern parts of the Arabian peninsula, specifically in Yemen and Oman, and in the Horn of Africa. The gift of frankincense demonstrated that the Magi acknowledged Jesus not just as a king, but also as the Son of God, and as a Priest who would intercede for humanity before God (Hebrews 4:14-16).
The third gift was probably the most mysterious of all, which was the gift of myrrh. Myrrh was an ointment also derived from plants. It is very aromatic, and in ancient times was used in embalming the dead. This was a gift that was very appropriate for Jesus, whose death would change history, and would bring salvation to all who would turn to Him.
As we contemplate these odd gifts that were given to the baby Jesus, given by the first of the Gentiles to acknowledge Him, we see that they were each very appropriate. Jesus is our King, He is Deity, the Son of God and Great High Priest, and He is the Sacrifice that God paid for our redemption from sin.
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