The Day of Epiphany (GA)

Matthew 2:1-12

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. ¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 

There are three gifts listed, but does that mean those were the only gifts given.  The Magi come to a King to offer kingly gifts, of Gold and frankincense and myrrh.  Kings receive the great gift of Gold to expand their personal wealth.  Kings will also receive perfumes and colognes to make themselves smell clean and nice.

I have always liked to hear Pastors and preachers come up with illustrations on why these three gifts are offered.  The magi open up their treasures, in order to give what they have to the King to be.  Jesus is the one who is truly born to be a King over all the people of the world.

Magi open these treasures and offer them to their new born King.  They offer these gifts not out of obligation, but out of Love.  They come to worship their savior not because of they have to, but because they desire to know more about the one born the King of the Jews.

Come and Worship your new born King.  Offer him Kingly gifts like Respect, Honor, Worship, Glory, etc.  Come and Worship your Savior who has died for your sins.  Come and Worship the Son of God who loves you.