Why Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh?

December 20, 2021

Scripture: Matthew 2:11 The three gifts brought by the unknown number of Magi were gold, frankincense and myrrh. We don't know how many total gifts were presented, but we are sure there were at least three. Why are these three mentioned? Gold is probably the easiest of the three gifts for us to understand. There are several writings in the Bible that correlate gold with divinity and royalty. When God instructs Moses on the details of the Tabernacle, gold is mentioned for the offerings, the Ark of the Covenant is to be overlaid in gold inside and out (gold rings, trimmings, a covering, and the cherubim). The same is true of the other pieces in the tabernacle--the table, the lampstand, the bowl. The Tabernacle is where God dwelt among His people. Everyone was sure to make the Tabernacle exactly as God had instructed. (Exodus 25 & 26) Frankincense in Hebrew is 'lebonah' meaning ''white'' is an odorous resign--from a tree. It was used by Israelite priests in the temple as incense used during burnt offering.

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4:14-16 Myrrh was used as an anointing oil in the Old Testament (see Exodus 30:23; Esther 2:12). In the gospels, myrrh is mentioned as an embalming oil. Mark 15:23 says that Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh while on the cross, and he declined. John says Jesus was embalmed with myrrh in John 19:38-39. Just as one man's sin (Adam) condemned all mankind to death, one man's sinless (pure/spotless) life and sacrifice covered mankind's sin to conquered the death we each deserved. GOLD The significance of the gifts to Yehoshua (Hebrew) relates back to the gift He is to all. Even as a vulnerable baby, He was and is Sovereign Lord. Gold--once a golden temple where God dwelt among his people. Now, Emmanuel, God dwelling among all people. Later, the dwelling place of God would move within the believer--walking temples for the Holy Spirit to dwell within.

FRANKINCENSE

The correlation of the priestly uses of frankincense are obvious. But there had never been a perfect priest up to this point or since. There were no barriers between God and his Son. No cleansing or offering rituals were needed for the divinity of Yeshua (Aramaic) to connect with God in heaven. MYRRH Since the anointing oil is synonymous with death, the gift of myrrh refers to Jesus' humanity. He came to live among us as fully God and fully man. The symbolism is glorious, and God's provisions are sure. Joseph and Mary's financial needs were met by the unknown quantities of these gifts. We know that the holy family escaped Herod's wrath by moving to Egypt for a time. Without these expensive gifts, traveling would have been more difficult, surely.

My friend, you are a part of the reason Jesus came to earth and redemption was necessary. All along, God had us in mind. I'm praying we know our worth today. Let's lean in to the only God who came out of heaven and met us in our depravity to provide a way out of our mess. He longs to be in fellowship with us, and he has gone to great lengths to show us his vast and incomprehensible love.

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