Gifts of

I. The Search for the Savior**

A. The Origin of the Magi

1. Wise men from the East (Matthew 2:1) They may not have been from what we call the Orient,or what is modern day Asia. They were likely from Persia, or Turkey, modern day Russia or Turkey region.

2. Their knowledge of the stars and prophecies. In the Book of Daniel, we read that Kind Cyrus and Nebuchadnezzar had Magi who whose duties it was to read the stars, and wisdom writing from other cultures, work with apothecary for healing ointments and treatments, and otherwise study what we know to be science. Studying science in this time was seen as a form of Witchcraft because it goes beyond common knowledge and simple senses. This is why, in other places in the Bible, such as in the Book of Acts or in Exodus, magicians are seen as going against God. They were connected to pagan belief systems.

B. The Purpose of Their Journey

1. Seeking the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2) So how do we think that they knew and wanted to search for the Messiah? Well, we can thank Daniel for that who become King Nebuchadnezzar's top advisor. From the Exile, the Magicians had access to the Prophetic writings of Isaiah and Micah which told of a coming King of Kings, where He would be born and what signs to observe.

2. A quest for truth and revelation . So for the next 400 years, they continued their studies of the Hebrew prophecies. When they saw the Star in the Western sky knew it was time to start their journey.

**II. The Gifts of the Magi**

A. The Significance of Each Gift

1. Gold - Acknowledgment of Jesus' royalty

2. Frankincense - Recognition of His divinity

3. Myrrh - Foreshadowing His suffering and death (Matthew 2:11)

B. The Act of Giving

1. Generosity as a response to divine revelation

2. The importance of offering our best to God

**III. The Response to Revelation**

A. The Guidance of God

1. The star leading them to Jesus (Matthew 2:9)

2. Divine intervention through dreams (Matthew 2:12)

B. The Transformation of the Magi

1. Returning home by a different route (Matthew 2:12)

2. The impact of encountering Christ on their lives