PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 2

What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?

“They presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11)
In Exodus 30 we find the recipe for sacred anointing oil, including liquid myrrh (v.23).
We also find the recipe for sacred anointing incense, including frankincense (v.34).
These were not meant for common use, but for sacred things and people.
When you add gold, you have gifts fit for a king.
From these gifts it is clear that these Magi were honouring this baby king.
Unknown to them, they were anointing Jesus for his sacred duty.
Yet the irony is that his majesty appears in such ‘mangy’ circumstances.
His greatness was not in his robes or his palace or his royal retinue.
Poor parents, accompanied by animals and shepherds, in a manger?
Here we see the wonder of God’s messiah, and the nature of his greatness.
Unlike worldly rulers, he comes with humility, not power.
He rides a donkey, not a stallion; he associates with misfits, not the mighty.
Those who recognize his humble greatness do not hold back their hearts.
Like the Magi, we offer our best, our devotion, our hearts – gifts fit for a king!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, your greatness is not worldly greatness. Your humility, justice and mercy are exactly the reason why I want to offer my heart and devotion to you!