When the Magi finally arrived in Bethlehem and saw the child with His mother, Mary, their response was immediate and profound. They bowed down and worshiped Him. They had traveled far, endured hardship, and followed a star, and now they were face-to-face with the One they had sought. Their worship was not a passive gesture. They offered Him gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—each symbolizing a different aspect of who Jesus was.
The Gifts:Gold: This was a gift fit for a king, symbolizing Jesus’ kingship.
Frankincense: This incense was used in worship, symbolizing Jesus' divinity.
Myrrh: A bitter spice used for embalming, symbolizing Jesus’ future suffering and death.
Each of these gifts had profound significance. The Magi did not come empty-handed. They came prepared to give the best of what they had to honor the child. Their act of worship was costly and sacrificial.
The Response of Worship:
The act of worship that the Magi displayed teaches us what true worship looks like. Worship is not just about singing songs or offering praises—it is about giving God the best of what we have. It requires sacrifice. Just as the Magi offered costly gifts, we are called to offer our hearts, our lives, and our resources in worship of the King.
True worship is also about humility. The Magi were learned men, respected in their own land, yet they knelt before a child. Worship involves recognizing the greatness of God, even when He comes to us in humble and unexpected forms. The King of the universe came as a child, and in doing so, He redefined what it means to be King.
Application:
Are we willing to offer the best of what we have to God in worship? True worship is a response to the revelation of who Jesus is. Just as the Magi gave Him their best gifts, we are called to offer our best to Him. This might mean our time, our talents, our finances, and our hearts.
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