The Miracle of the Magi

Why did the Magi come to visit Jesus?

Why did they bring gifts?

How many wise men were there?

How old was Jesus.

These are just a few of the questions that are often asked concerning this important part of Jesus’s birth.

Before we look at the significance of the Magi, let us look at what they were not.

They were not kings. Despite the Christmas carroll “We three kings” they were wise men.

The word wise men comes from the greek word- magos. It means wise men or magician.

It is the same type of men that failed in their attempt to interpret the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar.

Typically they were the educated class that would serve as advisers to kings.

Early church leader, Justin Martyr said that the wise men were from Arabia, modern day Saudi Arabia.

There are three mentioned gifts but no mention to the number of Magi. Again, the early church claimed from 2-8 wise men.

They did not visit Jesus in the manger.

Matthew 2:11 ESV

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

We do not know the exact age of Jesus but he was around two years old when the Magi visited Him.

Matthew 2:16 ESV

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.

What we know about the Magi.

They were Gentiles yet they recognized Jesus as the Savior. (They worshiped Him.)

They are the first Gentile to believe in Jesus.

Because of their faith their lives were preserved. v. 12

Even though they were not Jews the traveled to see this Jewish king.

They brought three gifts.

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

It has often been joked that diapers, and blankets would have more fit for a baby. However, let us look at these gifts and see what God had planned.

Gold.

An unusual gift for a baby but standard gift for a king.

He was just a baby yet the expenses facing this family were immense. They were getting ready to flee to Egypt. This would have been a costly affair and the gold would provide the necessary resources for this journey.

Philippians 4:19 NKJV

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

This same provision that was given to Jesus is guaranteed to all of Gods children.

2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV

for we walk by faith, not by sight.

I have wondered if the wise men would have given the gifts of gold if they knew the fate of Jesus? if they knew he would die would they have still traveled with precious gifts?

I believe they would have because they were men led by God and faith.

Frankincense

Frankincense, like myrrh, was made from tree sap. Frankincense came from the Boswellia tree and was often used as incense.

Exodus 30:34–35 ESV

The Lord said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.

The importance of the frankincense is that it represented the Divine acceptance of Jesus.

Matthew 3:17 ESV

and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Secondly it pictured the distinct life of Jesus. Ex. 30:37-38

Myrrh

Myrrh, like frankincense was made from tree sap. particularly myrrh came from the Commiphora tree.

Myrrh was primarily made for perfumes instead of incense.

In Exodus 30:22-25

Exodus 30:22–25 ESV

The Lord said to Moses, “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.

We see that Myrrh was made for anointing oil.

We find that it was the same type oil that was used to anoint David while he was still a shepherd boy.

The Myrrh showed that Jesus was anointed, by God, to be the King of the Earth.

Even today His kingdom still marches on in the heart of every believer.

Myrrh and frankincense both also have medicinal properties.

Myrrh is a pain killer

Frankincense has anti- inflammatory properties.

God makes no mistakes. Even in the birth of Jesus we can see that their is a divine structure and order in every detail.

Matthew 6:8 KJV 1900

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Romans 8:12–17 NKJV

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Wise Men Still Seek Him

by Julie Carro

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in the days of Herod the king, There came from the east to Jerusalem, wise men with gifts to bring. Saying, Where is He that is born, this precious King of the Jews, For His star appeared in the east, to announce this glorious news. And, lo, the star which they saw, went before them on their way, Till it came and stood over the place, of this wondrous holy day! With exceeding great joy and praise, they entered into the place, Where they saw the young Child with Mary; Jesus, face to face. They fell down and worshipped the Saviour, in complete humility and awe, Bowed in pure amazement, of all that they heard and saw, This King had no grand arrival, no trumpet announcement of birth, No fancy attire to clothe Him, with the inheritance of his worth.

Yet, as they beheld this Child, they began to see His fame, For He was clothed in Mercy and Truth, by the power of His Name. He wore a crown of glory, and righteousness became His robe, His kingdom spanned the universe, beyond the earthly globe. Yes, this Child was royalty! They could sense it in their soul, As they opened up their treasures, of myrrh, frankincense and gold, Laid before the King, they presented Him with their best, Rejoicing in the blessing, to be His honored guests... Now Wise Men Still Seek His Face, as they did in days of old, To give the Lord their hearts, more precious than silver and gold. For the King still lives today, and invites men to His side, To reign with Him in glory, as His Beloved Bride!!!

Isaiah 55:6 ESV

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;