Today we will talk about what were the 3 gifts given to Jesus. Many Christians may not understand the significance of these gifts and how they relate to the life and mission of Christ. The three gifts, traditionally known as gold, frankincense, and myrrh, were presented by the Wise Men, or Magi, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Each of these gifts carries deep symbolic meanings that reveal important truths about who Jesus is and why He came to Earth. As we reflect on these gifts, let us open our hearts and minds to understand their importance in God’s plan for humanity.
What were the 3 gifts given to Jesus
Gold: A Symbol of Kingship
The first gift presented to Jesus was gold. In ancient times, gold was a precious metal associated with wealth, power, and royalty. This gift signifies Jesus’ position as King. The Hebrew word for gold is “zahab,” which appears frequently in the Scriptures. It symbolizes not just wealth but also divine kingship. Gold has been used throughout history as a form of currency and a means of exchange, representing value and authority.
In the Bible, gold often signifies God’s glory and majesty. For example, in 1 Chronicles 29:11, it is written, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty; indeed, everything that is in the heavens and the earth; yours is the dominion, O Lord, and you exalt yourself as head over all.” Here, we see that gold portrays the sovereignty of God and His ultimate authority over creation.
Moreover, Jesus is referred to as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). The gift of gold from the Wise Men symbolizes recognition of Jesus’ kingship. In Matthew 2:2, the Magi ask, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” Their inquiry signifies their longing to honor the real King, who would ultimately reign over not just Israel, but the entire world. When we think of gold in the context of Jesus, we are reminded that He is the fulfillment of God’s promises to send a ruler who would bring about peace and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Frankincense: A Symbol of Divinity
The second gift was frankincense, an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes. In Jewish tradition, frankincense was used in the temple worship, symbolizing prayers ascending to God. The Hebrew term for frankincense is “levonah,” which means “white,” signifying purity and holiness. The gift of frankincense acknowledges the divine nature of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
In Revelation 5:8, incense is described as representing the prayers of the saints. This connection emphasizes that Jesus, as our mediator, presents our prayers to God. Frankincense was used in the Old Testament as part of the grain offerings (Leviticus 2:2), further highlighting its role in worship and connection to God.
The Wise Men’s gift of frankincense is essential because it points to Jesus’ divine status. In John 1:14, it states, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Frankincense serves as a reminder that Jesus is not just a regular king but also God incarnate, deserving of our worship and adoration. The inviting aroma of frankincense is symbolic of the sweet relationship we have through Jesus with the Father.
Myrrh: A Symbol of Suffering and Sacrifice
The last gift given to Jesus was myrrh, a bitter-smelling resin that was often used in the ancient world for anointing and embalming the dead. The Hebrew word for myrrh is “mor,” which means “bitter,” alluding to the suffering that Jesus would ultimately endure during His life and mission. The inclusion of myrrh as a gift foreshadows the reality of Jesus’ death on the cross and His sacrificial role as the Savior.
In John 19:39, we see myrrh being used in Jesus’ burial preparations. After Jesus’ crucifixion, Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to wrap Jesus’ body, which emphasizes the significance of myrrh as a symbol of Jesus’ suffering. The gift of myrrh, therefore, isn’t merely a token; it serves a much more substantial purpose by acknowledging the real sacrifice Jesus would make for humanity’s reconciliation with God.
The prophetic nature of myrrh is reaffirmed in Isaiah 53:5, where it states, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.” In light of this, we can see that the Wise Men’s gift of myrrh reflects the understanding of Jesus’ future role as the Suffering Servant who would bear the sins of the world.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the three gifts given to Jesus—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each gift reveals not only the identity of Jesus as King, God, and Savior but also the rich history and symbolism embedded in these offerings. Through gold, we recognize His kingship, through frankincense, we honor His divinity, and through myrrh, we acknowledge the suffering He willingly endured for our sake.
These gifts are more than historical artifacts; they are profound truths that we carry with us in our faith journey. Every time we think about what the Wise Men brought to the stable in Bethlehem, may we remember the deeper significance and how each gift guides us in our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Let us offer our hearts as gifts to Him, responding in worship and gratitude for the incredible love that He has shown to all of us.
In recognizing the importance of these gifts, we are reminded of our call to live in a way that reflects the glory, divinity, and sacrifice of Jesus. As we celebrate His birth, may we also honor Him in our lives, sharing His love and light with others.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4