The Gifts of the Magi: A Path of Worship and Surrender
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." — Matthew 2:11
This scene from the Christmas story in Matthew 2:1-12 invites us into the humble and profound encounter of the Magi with the newborn King. These wise men, guided by a star, traveled from distant lands to honor the child born King of the Jews. Their journey wasn’t just one of physical distance—it was a spiritual journey marked by their worship, humility, and recognition of the significance of this child.
As we pause and reflect on their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we see more than just valuable offerings for a king. These gifts speak to the identity and mission of Jesus Christ, but they also provide us with a personal challenge: What do we bring before the Lord?
The Star and the Road Less Traveled
The journey of the Magi begins with a star. This star was no ordinary celestial body; it was a sign, a beacon leading them toward the Messiah. Imagine following a light in the dark sky, something ephemeral, something that would disappear if you looked away for too long. It was a guidance system that demanded patience and faith.
Isn’t this much like our journey to God? The world is filled with distractions and false lights that promise direction but lead us nowhere. The Magi first sought help from King Herod, but even his authority couldn’t provide the answer they were looking for. The religious leaders were no better, knowing the prophecy but offering no guidance beyond it.
Ultimately, they found the true direction in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible alone is the map that leads us to Jesus. It’s easy to get lost in the opinions and distractions of the world, but only Scripture leads to eternal life with God. This begs the question: What road map are you using? Are you following the fleeting stars of this world, or the timeless truths of God’s Word?
The Humble Approach
Jesus came into the world not as a mighty ruler or a king in the conventional sense. He was born in a humble setting—a small town, to a young woman and her husband. The Savior of the world arrived in a manger, not a palace. He came in a way that many didn’t expect or understand.
God, veiled in human flesh, chose to enter the world through this humble and lowly means. This challenges our perception of divinity. Many think that God would never lower Himself to such a position, but from the very beginning, God's Word foretold it. Jesus didn’t come with fanfare or in grandeur. He came to identify with the poor, the broken, and the humble.
When we come to Him, are we coming in humility? The Magi approached the King of kings with reverence and adoration. How much more should we come humbly before Him? In what ways do we need to lower ourselves and recognize the humility of Christ in our own hearts?
The Gifts: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
The gifts presented to Jesus are symbolic of His identity and His mission. They weren’t random. Each gift tells us something profound about the Savior.
Gold: The Gift of Kingship
Gold is a symbol of kingship, wealth, and glory. In ancient times, gold was the most precious gift to give to royalty. It was rare, durable, and valuable—attributes that perfectly describe the nature of Jesus. He is the eternal King, the one who holds all authority over heaven and earth.
Gold also symbolizes the enduring nature of God's Kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, Paul speaks of works being tested by fire, with gold representing lasting, eternal worth. As followers of Christ, we are called to build with gold—our actions, our faith, and our lives should reflect the enduring glory of God.
When we offer gold, we offer our highest, most precious treasures—our talents, our accomplishments, and our best work. Where in your life have you given your best to God? What triumphs or gifts can you lay at His feet?
Frankincense: The Gift of Worship
Frankincense was used in religious rituals and worship. Its fragrance, when burned, was a symbol of prayer and devotion. As a gift to Jesus, frankincense signified His role as the High Priest—offering up prayers and intercession for humanity.
Frankincense comes from the wounded tree, much like how our worship is often born from pain and sacrifice. In the Old Testament, incense was offered as a pleasing aroma to God. It reminds us that true worship often comes from the depths of our suffering and surrender. Worship isn’t just a celebration; it’s a sacrifice, and it often costs us something—our time, our comfort, our very hearts.
Have you offered up your brokenness as worship? When we surrender our tears, our pain, and our sacrifices to God, they become a fragrant offering to Him. Just as the Magi gave frankincense, we are called to give our lives in worship, not just in moments of joy but also through our struggles.
Myrrh: The Gift of Suffering and Death
Myrrh, used in burial rituals, poignantly foreshadowed Jesus' death and burial. It was a bitter gift, representing the suffering He would endure. While gold speaks of Jesus' kingship and frankincense of His priesthood, myrrh points to His ultimate sacrifice as the suffering servant who would give His life for the salvation of the world.
The bitterness of myrrh reminds us of the reality of Christ's suffering and how His death was necessary for our redemption. Just as myrrh was used to preserve bodies from decay, Jesus' death preserves us from eternal separation from God.
What sorrows have you faced that God has used to refine and purify you? How can you offer your suffering, your myrrh, as a gift back to God? In doing so, you can participate in the Kingdom of God, where our pain is transformed into something beautiful for His purposes.
Are You Ready to Open Your Treasures?
The Magi did not keep their treasures hidden. They opened their hearts and their hands, offering their finest gifts to the Savior. This act of surrender is a beautiful picture of true worship. What treasures have you locked away in your heart? Your talents, your dreams, your pain—these are the things that God wants to use in His Kingdom. When we withhold them, we miss out on the deep connection with Christ that He desires for us.
God has a unique purpose for each of us, and He calls us to offer Him everything—our gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Have you fully surrendered to God? Are you willing to give Him everything, trusting that He will use it for His glory?
As we reflect on the gifts of the Magi, let us be reminded that Jesus is worthy of our best. He is the King of kings, the High Priest, and the Savior who suffered for us. Let us approach Him humbly, offering all that we have in worship and surrender. May we follow the example of the Magi, who came, saw, worshipped, and gave. And may we be transformed as we do the same.
Prayer:
Lord, just as the Magi offered their best to You, help us to surrender all that we have—our treasures, our pain, our triumphs, and our worship—before You. May we approach You with humility and reverence, recognizing Your worth and Your sacrifice for us. Lead us to follow You wherever You go, and transform our lives as we offer ourselves fully to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
