Readings :Isaiah 60:1-6 & Matthew 2:1-12
Matthew 2v1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,
When we studied Genesis it was noted that going East was shorthand for moving away from God. Thus when Matthew reminds us that the wise men come from the east he is telling more than their direction of travel.
Matthew is announcing that with the coming of Jesus the way is now open to return to God. However, they came to worship.
It was Martin Luther who first emphasised the interpretation of the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus.
a}. Gold. Recognises that Jesus is the King. Before all others he is the King of kings and Lord of lords. All will bow before him.
There is a regal aspect to Jesus that we must not overlook. He is our friend, but he is our king first.
b}. Frankincense. was a product of Arabia and was used in the worship rituals of many countries including Judaism, It signifies the priestly nature of Jesus. Frankincense signifies a purity before God; We have no tradition of priests, but, priest comes from Latin word Pontus, bridge, providing the link between us and God. Priest stands before God on behalf of the people and before the people on behalf of God.
c}. Myrrh. represents , sorrow and suffering. It was seen as significant that a symbol of death would be given to one so young. It recognised the path that Jesus was to take; it symbolises for us the role of Saviour.
It is easier to bring our sorrow and suffering to one who has himself suffered.
Jesus is King, Priest and Saviour for each and every person. Sometimes those closest to the event miss who he really is, others from far away by all manner of means recognise him. Each of us need to recognise how we are responding to God’s gift to us, and determining what gift we will give back to him.
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