“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
~ Matthew 2:11
Thought Of The Day
Today, let's reflect on the visit of the wise men, also known as the Magi, who traveled from the East to honor the newborn King. This account in Matthew 2:11 is rich with meaning and significance, offering us profound insights into worship, generosity, and the recognition of Jesus' divine identity.
Imagine the scene: the wise men, after a long and arduous journey, finally arrive at the house where Jesus is. Upon seeing Him with His mother, Mary, they immediately bow down and worship Him. Their response is one of profound reverence and awe. These were learned and influential men, yet in the presence of Jesus, they humbled themselves and worshiped.
This act of worship by the wise men challenges us to consider how we approach Jesus. Do we come before Him with a heart of humility and reverence, recognizing His majesty and divinity? Worship is more than just a ritual; it is an expression of our love, adoration, and surrender to the One who is worthy of all praise.
After bowing down in worship, the wise men presented Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each of these gifts carries deep symbolic meaning:
- Gold: A symbol of kingship and royalty. By presenting gold, the wise men acknowledged Jesus as the King of kings. This gift reminds us of Jesus' sovereign rule and His eternal kingdom.
- Frankincense: A symbol of deity and priesthood. Frankincense was used in temple worship, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God. This gift signifies Jesus' role as our High Priest, mediating between God and humanity.
- Myrrh: A symbol of suffering and sacrifice. Myrrh was used for embalming and anointing the dead. This gift foreshadows Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for the salvation of humanity.
The gifts of the wise men were not just valuable items; they were expressions of their understanding of who Jesus is. As we reflect on these gifts, let's consider what we offer to Jesus. While we may not have gold, frankincense, or myrrh, we have our hearts, our talents, and our time. What treasures can we present to Jesus as an act of worship and gratitude?
Moreover, the journey of the wise men teaches us about perseverance in seeking Jesus. They followed the star with determination and faith, despite the challenges and uncertainties along the way. Similarly, our spiritual journey requires perseverance and faith, trusting that God will lead us to His presence and His truth.
As we meditate on Matthew 2:11, let's be inspired by the wise men's example of worship, generosity, and perseverance. Let's bow down in humble adoration, offering our lives as gifts to Jesus. In doing so, we acknowledge His kingship, honor His priesthood, and remember His sacrifice.
Today, let's take a moment to thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Let's offer our worship and our treasures, however humble they may be, as expressions of our love and gratitude. May our lives reflect the glory and honor due to our Savior, who is the King of kings, our High Priest, and the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude and reverence, reflecting on the journey of the wise men who sought the newborn King. As we meditate on Matthew 2:11, we are inspired by their humility, their worship, and the precious gifts they presented to Jesus.
Lord, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior and King. Just as the wise men bowed down and worshiped Him, we too bow our hearts before You, acknowledging Your majesty and sovereignty. Help us to approach You with the same reverence and awe, recognizing that You are worthy of all our praise and adoration.
Father, the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh remind us of Jesus' kingship, His role as our High Priest, and His sacrificial love. We may not have such treasures to offer, but we bring You our hearts, our talents, and our time. Accept these humble gifts, Lord, as expressions of our love and gratitude.
Guide us in using our gifts to honor You and serve others. Help us to be generous and selfless, following the example of the wise men who gave their best to Jesus. May our lives be a reflection of Your grace and goodness, bringing glory to Your name.
Lord, strengthen our faith and perseverance as we seek to follow You. Like the wise men who followed the star, lead us by Your light and truth. Help us to overcome any obstacles or uncertainties we may face, trusting that You are with us every step of the way.
We thank You, Lord, for the incredible gift of Jesus and for the privilege of worshiping Him. May our lives be a continual offering of praise and service to You.
In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.
