Wise Men

Matthew 2:1-11 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Pastor JJ is wrapping up his Sunday sermon series on the Gift of Messiah – Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ on the meaning of the presents presented to the presence of the newborn King. That word present can be defined as a gift, or at hand in the immediate moment, to offer in introduction or to give, to argue a case, or to exist and occupy space. Think about each of these definitions in relationship to Jesus. But there is great meaning in the presents of the wise men too.

The wise men traveled from afar, bowed down, worship and present three gifts to the new born King (prophesied in Psalm 72), because there was something special about Jesus. Christ is the promised Messiah. Let’s take a closer look at the gifts presented.

1. Gold – this is a precious and regal gift offered for a king and his kingdom’s value. 100% King
2. Incense – Reserved for the Divine (Frankincense was used in the Alter of Incense in the Temple as prayers and praises rose up to heaven). Jesus was more than just a king, He was the Divine God/man, Spirit/human. 100% God
3. Mire – This herb was used to embalm the dead, used specifically when preparing a body for burial. In Jesus, a body offered as a gift of atonement, redemption and restoration. 100% Savior

Our destiny is controlled by God in heaven and, from the moment that sin was introduced into the world, the Almighty put into motion His plan for the salvation and restoration of mankind. Our loving and merciful Lord God wanted to be our Rescuer.

Psalm 72:11-13 All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him. For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.

If grateful, what would be an appropriate gift back to God? Nothing compares. The wise men seeked out, showed up, bowed and worshipped the Lord Jesus in dedication and devotion. Will we?  Romans 11:35-12:1 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

How shall we respond? Will we allow His proper place in our heart, in every part of our lives and every action that we take? Is Jesus worthy of our obedience, worship and praise? Evil exists in this world, but Christ came to conquer this world and offers the true and final salvation in the deepest and most intimate relationship on earth. King Herod would rather kill the prophesied Messiah then receive and worship Him because his sin life and lordship were threatened. Isn't this still true with people today? Christians tell the unknowing world about Jesus Christ and His gospel of salvation because worship of the Savior in this world does not happen today. But wise men still seek Him!

Merry Christmas, Brian