Vital Signs: Sunday, December 22, 2024
The Significance of the Magi's Gifts
In Matthew 2:11, the Magi bring Jesus three famous gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Did you know these gifts hold special significance in the Old Testament and reflect the One they came to worship?
Gold represents royalty, as seen in Psalm 72:15, affirming Jesus as the King of Kings. Frankincense is associated with the worship of God in Exodus 30:34, acknowledging Jesus as God. Myrrh, used in anointing for special purposes according to Exodus 30:22-25, was first given to Jesus at His birth. The final times He would receive myrrh were on the cross and at His burial. This gift foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate purpose: to die on the cross for our sins and rise victorious over death.
Matthew 2:10-11 mentions that when the Magi saw Jesus, “they fell down and worshipped Him.”
Today, may we also bring the gift of unadulterated worship.