Matthew 2:7-12
[7] Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
[8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
[9] When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Many would have you pass through this passage, but let us take a closer look at the significance of the visit of the wise men. Isn’t it amazing how wonderful the feeling is when God provides the light, the star, the word of God to provide the direction to be closer with Christ, it should cause us to rejoice.
1) The gift of gold was given to symbolize that He was God in the flesh. Sometimes people refuse to see the value and worth of the gold, and accept fool’s gold (or their own ideals instead).
It is given first to represent obtaining salvation.
Job 23:10
[10] But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
2) The frankincense was given to Jesus as a symbol of His holiness.Frankincense was the resin from a tree. It was obtained by cutting the bark of the tree and letting it harden, followed by it being ground to powder.
Exodus 30:34-36
[34] And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
[35] And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:
[36] And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.
It was placed on the altar of incense to be a sweet odor to the Lord. It was given after the gold because holiness before salvation would attempt to be used for self-righteousness. Holiness destroys the unsaved, like wood or hay, but it begins to purify gold!
3) Myrrh is different, as it represents suffering, trials, tribulations:
Hebrews 5:8
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Jesus never escaped the myrrh throughout His entire life. As Jesus received these gifts, we too also receive the gift of gold (salvation), frankincense (holiness), and myrrh (suffering) from our wise and almighty creator. Suffering is not to destroy us, but to teach us obedience.
2 Timothy 3:12
[12] Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Why is myrrh the only gift mentioned at the end of Jesus life? Gold (salvation) is a one-time gift, Once it is given it cannot be revoked
Romans 11:29
[29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Frankincense (holiness) is something you clothe yourself with. You clothe yourself with Christ and become separate from what the world wears.
1 Peter 5:10
[10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.