When Christmas cards arrive, many have the Magi (the three wise men) joining Joseph and Mary and a handful of adoring shepherds at the manger in Bethlehem. However, Matthew tells us they came after the birth of Jesus. When they came to Herod asking where the child might be who was destined to be King of the Jews, Herod was disturbed. He determined through the Jewish chief priests and teachers of the law that Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, but did not know when. Herod asked the Magi for the exact time they had seen his star and asked them to return to him after they had found the child so that he might go to Jesus and worship him. His intent, of course, was to murder the child to remove any threat to his throne. After the Magi visited Jesus and his family in Bethlehem, they were warned by God in a dream not to go back to Herod but to return home a different way.
Once Herod discerned the Magi were not coming back, he was furious and ordered every male child under the age of two to be killed in the vicinity of Bethlehem. Because of that order, we know that Jesus must have been between one and two years old when the Magi arrived. Joseph was warned in a dream to leave Bethlehem and go to Egypt before Herod gave his order.
Many assume that three Magi came because Matthew records their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. There may, of course, have been a different number, but Matthew was careful to record the gifts because they each had prophetic significance. According to Rick Renner, the Greek word for gold in this text, reveals that it was the purest, most refined gold, meant only for the greatest of kings. The Magi understood that this child was no ordinary king, like Herod, subject to greater powers, but was indeed to be King of Kings. Most commentators believe that these men came from the region of Babylon and had carefully studied the prophecies of Daniel who had spent his life in exile there.
Frankincense was an expensive and rare commodity imported and used primarily in the temple. It was burned there to create a pleasing aroma to God. It was associated mostly with the priesthood and the High Priest who only could enter the presence of God on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for Israel in the Holy of Holies. Jesus was destined to be not only the High Priest of God’s people but also the perfect and eternal sacrifice for our sins. The third gift highlighted that part of his destiny.
Myrrh was also a precious commodity used for many things, but especially to anoint the dead and prepare them for burial. Matthew wrote, “Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs” (Mt. 19:38-40). Myrrh pointed to this element of God’s redemption for all who would believe.
The Magi brought gifts that pointed to the destiny of this child born in a manger. King of Kings, High Priest, and Lamb of God who would be offered up for our sins. Of course, the gifts funded the escape to Egypt where the family would live for several years before returning to Israel, but the greater meanings of the gifts should not escape us on this Christmas morning,
God is not accidental but intentional in all that he does. He reveals truth to those who seek it, even if they are not yet in a covenant with him. He brings things to pass that he ordained even from before the foundations of this world were formed. And, certainly, this season is a season for gifts. The gifts of the Magi were given, not only to remind us of who Jesus would be, but because he was God’s greatest gift to us. Let’s celebrate that truth today as we enjoy food and family and the love of God who has been given to us.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa. 9:6-8).
