What Made These Wise Men So Wise?

When at last they had found the Christ, they bowed down and worshipped him. They presented him with gifts. Listen, it is not enough to discover who Christ is or even what he had done – we fall short if we only discover certain truths about him without also giving ourselves to him in faith and worship. It is not a matter of what we get out of worship, but what God gets out of worship.

A. A Gift Worthy of His Lordship – Gold

1. Gold has obvious worth. It is a gift fit for royalty. God deserves the very best that we can bring in our hand; but more than that…

2. God deserves the very best we can bring in our heart. When Adam and Eve sinned it was an act of rebellion and disloyalty. True worship will include an acknowledgement of God’s sovereign right of control over our life. Revelation 19:16 “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Jesus Christ is called Lord 747 times in the New Testament. Such a great king deserves our loyal obedience and submission.

B. A Gift Worthy of His Holiness – Frankincense

1. Frankincense is mentioned 17 times in the Bible. It was used as one of four sweet scents compounded together to make the ceremonial incense of the Jews. It was used in both sacrifices and prayer. Its aroma was always present in the Temple grounds.

2. As such, frankincense is a picture of praise and worship of Christ as the Holy One of God come down in flesh among us. Psalms 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, THE MIGHTY GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

3. Praise is always appropriate on the lips of God’s people – but more than holy praise on our lips, God desires holy practice in our lives.

C. A Gift Worthy of His Sacrifice – Myrrh

1. Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin obtained from several trees and shrubs found in both northern Africa and throughout the entire East. Myrrh was used in Egypt in the embalming process of mummification. There are 22 references to myrrh in the Bible. Myrrh was used to anoint every part of the tabernacle in the wilderness. It was myrrh that was poured out on the feet of Jesus just a week before his death.

2. How prophetic to have myrrh as one of the gifts presented to him at his birth – this child was born to die. Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for He shall save his people from their sins”. Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord”.

3. What can we give to the One who saved us?

a) We Can Trust Him With Our Soul – John 3:16

b) We Can Trust Him With Our Life – Romans 12:1-2

Conclusion:

2,000 years ago Jesus was born the God-man. Have you searched for Him and found Him yet? If so, what are you giving Him this Christmas that is worthy of His Lordship…Holiness…Sacrifice?