Untitled Sermon

What did you bring Jesus?

Matthew 2:9-11

Just imagine that you are invited to a King birthday party. Just imagine the joy you will have, because it is not an ordinary event, but it is someone important. Guest are expected to bring meaningful gifts that reflect their appreciation, respect, and understanding of the kings role. One person arrives with an expensive, thoughtfully chosen gift that symbolizes their honor for the king’s leadership. Someone brought a personal item such as a letter of gratitude expressing how the king’s kindness has changed their life. Then someone walks in, empty-handed, distracted, and unprepared. They make excuses, saying, “I didn’t have time to think about what to bring,” or “I wasn’t sure it was worth it.

Now this mirror what happens in our worship of Jesus. The wise men understood the meaning of their gift. They carefully pick out their gift. They understand that when you walk into the presence of the King, they would want to bring a gift. Their gift is not nothing random, or a last minute’s choice, but their gift represents the newborn King. Their gift was not cheap, it was expensive. it’s not about the price of the gift; it is about the heart. Hey, even your enemy and hater can bring you good gift. When you look at the deep means of each gift, then you will see why I says that they didn’t random pick out their gift.

The Gold, frankincense, and Myrrh have some meaning to it. Gold represents our resource, our time, or our talents dedicated to building His kingdom. The scripture came to mind is “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? Psalm 116:12.” God want you to have a grateful heart. We must thank God for all he has done for us. So, what shall we render to God? First our heart. When we come to God’s present, we must give him our first fruits. Give God you best, not the leftover. It is not good enough for us, then why would you use the Lord’s house as a dumping spot? In other word, don’t give God your leftover energy, time, and resources elsewhere.

In Malachi 1:8 explain, “when you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? Try to offer them to your governor, would he be pleased with you?” other word, when you half pay to God, that is wrong, try to half pay your taxes, see what would happen. Because Gold represents Jesus’ kingship, then you must give him your best. Because He is the King of kings according to Revelation 19:16.

When look at Frankincense, it represents his priesthood and divinity. Jesus is our High Priest, so since he is our high priest, we should bring our prayer and worship to him. In Hebrews 4:14-16, Jesus is our High Priest who intercedes for us. When the wise men seen Jesus, they bow to him. They weren’t going to let their nice clothes get in their way. So, what did you get in your way to worship God? Frankincense often to use for prayer. In Psalm 141:2 stated, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense.” So how is your prayer life? Are you bringing prayers of faith, thanksgiving, and intercession to Jesus?

Now Myrrh is the gift of sacrifice. Myrrh was used to anointing and embalming, which symbolling Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice. In Isaiah 53 was talking about his suffering. Jesus was obedient until death according to Philippians 2:8. Christ didn’t just to be born, but to die also. So are you living in gratitude for his sacrifice by living a life of obedience?

On this day, as we celebrate Christmas, let us not forget about the Lord, stop putting so much focus on the things that is under the tree, but focus on the one who die on the tree. As we reflect on this day, let us remember that Jesus came here to be with his people, which is telling by his name, Emmanuel which is translate, God is with us. He came to be born, to show love, and die. Jesus has a mission which must be fulfill.

Now the question is, what can I give to Jesus? Yourself (your heart) is one of the answers. Romans 12:1 stated, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” We must be willing to give ourselves to Jesus. Our time, finance, and other. We must be willing to be number 2, not one. We must let go of self. We must worship God in the beauty of holiness. We must be willing to walk right and talk right, treat our neighbors right.

What does the Lord required of you? According to Micah 6:8, he is required us to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. God want us to treat our neighbor right. Yes, anyone you come pass to. Yes, the homeless person, the homosexually, your family members, your friends, your enemies, the widow, the childless, and anyone who you come accord. Jesus stated in Matthew 25:40, because you did it one of the least of these brothers, you did it to me. Show kindness, although you don’t get along.

So, what you bring Jesus in this holiday season? Some of you hasn’t thought of this. But let me tell you what he brought to you. In John 3:16, God gave us his best, his only son, to carry the debt that we owe. He paid off that debt with his own blood. He carries that debt to the cross (Phil 2:8). Isaiah was talking about him in Isaiah 9:6, also on Isaiah 7:14. God’s gift of Jesus is unparalleled. This gift contains of love. Salvation, and eternal life. God wrap himself in flesh (John 1:14) to be with his creation. He (Jesus) came to reconcile us to God and bring light to a dark world (John 1:4-5).

My God was selfish like some of us. Many love to receive but never give. Is it not better to give than to receive? Many come with their hand out, but have you been obedience to God latest? We want God to jump when we want him, but take our time when God tell us something. Is that right? Do that to your spouse, parents, or family for a long period and see what will happen. Have not God gave you his best, so why are we lacking?

As the wise men worship God, they brought their gift. With a pure heart. Are you worshiping God for real, or it is just a show? Let not forget that Jesus was born into a poor faming, yet the wise men show their love. Do you care for the poor or homeless, or you only care just to get some likes?

Let's love each other and avoid conflict as we begin this season. Take care of the widow, foster children, and the financially struggling single mother. That is what we give God. Be a living sacrifice. Be a mouthpiece for God, like Isaiah, and say, "Here I am, Lord, send me."

Is there anyone here today who is struggling to find yourself, or perhaps you are lacking in your dedication to Christ? Now is the time to give yourself to God. You may say, "I am not ready." Now is the time to get ready. Ready or not, here he comes. The passage read, "When you hear the Lord's word, do not harden your hearts. Come to him. Receive his gift in accordance with Acts 2:38. Do you know what makes the Lord happy today? Give your life to him. The door to the church is open. I'll extend the invitation. Don't let this day go by. I implore you, my brothers and sisters, to make a decision today. Is there anybody?