Dig Deeper
Matthew
is the only Gospel to mention the Wise Men. (Matthew 2:1-12) That these men
brought three gifts is what lead to the theory that there were three men. The ESV Study Bible observes, “The wise men
likely traveled with a large number of attendants and guards for the long
journey” meaning that when they did not arrive in Bethlehem until sometime
after the birth of Christ and the scene was much more crowded that depicted in
our Nativity scenes. The names Melchior, Balthasar, and Caspar are also merely legend.
Numbers
24:17 records the prophecy “A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will
arise from Israel.” Jews held in Babylonian captivity understood this verse to
point to a messianic deliverer (ESV Study
Bible notes). This is likely how
these “wise men from the east” learned of this prophecy.
Most
of the images and people present at the Nativity reinforce Jesus’ humble
incarnation. (Philippians 2:7) The unexpected arrival of these wise men calls
attention to Jesus’ Kingship. On a practical level the gifts they bring provide
the funds needed for Joseph to rescue his family by fleeing to Egypt. (Matthew
2:13-15) Some theologians believe that the gifts themselves are prophetic. If
so, what might the following Scriptures reveal as to the significance of each
of these gifts?
Gold
(2 Samuel 8:11; 1 Kings 6:20-21; Ezra 8:28; Haggai 2:8; and Revelation
21:18-21)--
Frankincense
oil (Genesis 28:17-19; Exodus 27:20; Psalm 23:5; Jeremiah 31:12; Matthew
26:7-12; Luke 7:46; Hebrews 1:9; and James 5:14)--
Myrrh
(Psalm 45:8; Mark 15:22-24; and John 19:38-40)--
Application
Using
the following Scriptures, spend some time meditating on the Kingship of Jesus.
Isaiah 9:6; John 12:15, 18:37; Acts 2:3; Philippians 2:10-11; 1 Timothy 6:15;
Revelation 17:14, and 19:16. Are there any specific areas of your life where
the Holy Spirit is leading to more fully yield to Jesus’ kingship?
Memorize
This
Matthew
1:23— Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall
bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being
interpreted is, God with us. KJV
No comments:
Post a Comment