Sermon Tone Analysis

Gifts Fit For A King

Introduction

#1 Worship should be expressed with joy! (10)

#2 Worship is given to Christ ALONE! (11a)

#3 Worship should have meaning!

(11b)

Gold - monetary value - Joseph and Mary could use the money to service their unexpected journey to Egypt!

Frankincense - a token to Christ’s divinity!

(, “God is a spirit and they that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

Myrrh - a token of His sufferings and ours as well.

(, “If any man come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”)

#4 Worship should be transforming!

(12)

present (offering) n. — an offering to a deity; perhaps with an emphasis on the freeness of the offering.

gold n. — a soft, yellow, malleable, ductile, metallic element that was considered precious.

present (offering) n. — an offering to a deity; perhaps with an emphasis on the freeness of the offering.

frankincense n. — a yellowish, ground aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; especially used for incense.

gold n. — a soft, yellow, malleable, ductile, metallic element that was considered precious.

myrrh n. — a crushed and ground aromatic gum resin; especially used for incense and perfumes.

frankincense n. — a yellowish, ground aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; especially used for incense.

myrrh n. — a crushed and ground aromatic gum resin; especially used for incense and perfumes.

The Magi were not kings but a combination of wise men and priests probably from Persia.

They combined astronomical observation with astrological speculation.

They played both political and religious roles and were figures of some prominence in their land.

The Magi were not kings but a combination of wise men and priests probably from Persia.

They combined astronomical observation with astrological speculation.

They played both political and religious roles and were figures of some prominence in their land.

“The Magi were not kings but a combination of wise men and priests probably from Persia.

They combined astronomical observation with astrological speculation.

They played both political and religious roles and were figures of some prominence in their land.”

The Magi were not kings but a combination of wise men and priests probably from Persia.

They combined astronomical observation with astrological speculation.

They played both political and religious roles and were figures of some prominence in their land.

Blomberg, Craig.

Matthew.

Vol.

22. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.

Print.

The New American Commentary.

“A new star in the sky was often believed to herald the birth of a significant person in the land over which the star shone.

So the Magi’s question is a natural inference from their observation.

If “in the east” is the correct translation in v. 2, then this phrase modifies “we saw” not “his star.”

A new star in the sky was often believed to herald the birth of a significant person in the land over which the star shone.

So the Magi’s question is a natural inference from their observation.

If “in the east” is the correct translation in v. 2, then this phrase modifies “we saw” not “his star.”

“What the Magi recognize as divine guidance fills them, literally, with exceedingly great joy (v.

10).

They find the mother and child and prostrate themselves before him in worship.”

“What the Magi recognize as divine guidance fills them, literally, with exceedingly great joy (v.

10).

They find the mother and child and prostrate themselves before him in worship.”

What the Magi recognize as divine guidance fills them, literally, with exceedingly great joy (v.

10).

They find the mother and child and prostrate themselves before him in worship.

Blomberg, Craig.

Matthew.

Vol.

22. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.

Print.

The New American Commentary.

“Matthew’s quotation not only answers Herod’s and the Magi’s question regarding the place of the Christ child’s birth while showing the city once despised as now honored, but it also adds another aspect to the work of the royal Messiah.

He will not only rule but also “shepherd” the people of Israel.

A shepherd as an image of a ruler of God’s people appeared commonly in the Old Testament (see ).

It implies guidance, pastoral care, and a sense of compassion (see ).

The final phrase of Matthew’s quotation comes from , in which godly shepherding formed part of the role assigned to Israelite kings.

What they often failed to carry out, the Messiah will now perform properly.”

[, says, “…And the Lord said to you, “you will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.”]

Matthew’s quotation not only answers Herod’s and the Magi’s question regarding the place of the Christ child’s birth while showing the city once despised as now honored, but it also adds another aspect to the work of the royal Messiah.

He will not only rule but also “shepherd” the people of Israel.

A shepherd as an image of a ruler of God’s people appeared commonly in the Old Testament (see ).

It implies guidance, pastoral care, and a sense of compassion (see ).

The final phrase of Matthew’s quotation comes from , in which godly shepherding formed part of the role assigned to Israelite kings.

What they often failed to carry out, the Messiah will now perform properly.

Blomberg, Craig.

Matthew.

Vol.

22. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.

Print.

The New American Commentary.

“They find the mother and child and prostrate themselves before him in worship.

The gifts used to honor the new king were typically associated with royalty.

Because Matthew has not yet introduced the theme of Jesus’ death, it is not likely that he is implying it here, even though myrrh was a spice often used in embalming.

Rather, all three gifts honor the Christ child as King.

Gold, then as now, was a precious metal prized for its beauty and value, an appropriate regal gift.

Frankincense and myrrh were fragrant spices and perfumes equally appropriate for such adoration and worship.

Similar visits of Magi to royalty are described in other Greco-Roman literature of the time...”

They find the mother and child and prostrate themselves before him in worship.

The gifts used to honor the new king were typically associated with royalty.

Because Matthew has not yet introduced the theme of Jesus’ death, it is not likely that he is implying it here, even though myrrh was a spice often used in embalming.

Rather, all three gifts honor the Christ child as King.

Gold, then as now, was a precious metal prized for its beauty and value, an appropriate regal gift.

Frankincense and myrrh were fragrant spices and perfumes equally appropriate for such adoration and worship.31

Similar visits of Magi to royalty are described in other Greco-Roman literature of the time

31 Interestingly, the text never refers to three Magi.

Their number may or may not be implied by the fact that three gifts are brought.

Also they are given no names, despite the later tradition that ascribed to them the names Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.

Blomberg, Craig.

Matthew.

Vol.

22. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992.

Print.

The New American Commentary.

“I shall see him ,  but not now: I shall b behold him ,  but not nigh: There shall come a Star out of Jacob , And a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel , And shall smite the corners of Moab , And destroy all the children of Sheth .”

(Numbers 24:17)