The wise men came from the East, seeking the Lord Jesus in order to worship Him. This purpose is mentioned three times in Matthew 2 (vv. 2, 8, 11). They brought Him gifts befitting a King, for “they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” These gifts are full of meaning and speak to us of what true worship looks like.

Gold is a precious metal and a symbol of royalty and divinity. It is mentioned throughout Scripture and was used extensively in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Gold was associated with kingship, glory, and righteousness. The gold presented to the Lord Jesus speaks of His kingship, His divine nature, and His glory as God manifested in the flesh.

Frankincense was a costly fragrance obtained by making incisions in the bark of a tree, allowing the resin to flow out. It was used in worship and in certain royal processions. Frankincense symbolizes holiness and righteousness, seen perfectly in the life of the Lord Jesus. It also speaks of His willingness to offer Himself completely to God, as a burnt offering wholly devoted to Him.

Myrrh was a spice often mixed with wine and used as an anesthetic, as seen in Mark 15:23 when it was offered to the Lord Jesus on the cross. It was also used in preparing a body for burial, as noted in John 19:39. Myrrh symbolizes bitterness, suffering, and affliction, pointing ahead to the suffering and death of Christ.

As we worship the Lord Jesus—whether in private or in public—what do we bring to Him? Do we come with thoughts of His greatness and glory, reflections on His beauty and preciousness to the Father, or meditations on His sufferings upon the cross as the Lamb of God?

What do we give our Lord in our daily lives? Do we offer Him our love, obedience, praise, worship, generosity, time, thanksgiving, and trust? He is worthy of them all.

Anchor For Today:
The wise men brought Him their treasures—what are we laying before Him in worship today?