Matthew 2:1–11 (ESV) 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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. • GOLD: JESUS OUR TRUE KING 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 of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Numbers 24:17 (ESV) “A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” “Are we looking to Jesus as our King or our Consultant?” • FRANKINCENSE: JESUS OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST 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 of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Exodus 30:34–36 (ESV) 34 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), 35 and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. 36 You shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you. It shall be most holy for you. Hebrews 4:14 (ESV) “Since we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” If we don't understand the holiness of God, we'll always have a casual approach to sin. Holy - Greek (hagios) meaning “separate,” “other,” “set apart.” Hebrews 10:12 (ESV) “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.” Frankincense calls us to: Pray with confidence. Repent without fear. Approach God boldly, not timidly. Myrrh wasn’t the gift Mary and Joseph desired. But it was the gift the world needed. • MYRRH: JESUS OUR SUFFERING SERVANT AND SACRIFICIAL SAVIOR 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 of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” John 19:39–40 (ESV) 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Isaiah 53:5 (ESV) 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.