Devotional - Luke Lusted - Come and Worship | The Visit of the Wise Men

First Baptist Shreveport

Come and Worship: The Visit of the Wise Men

Weekly Devotional 12.30.2024

“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
After Jesus was born, the wise men gave gifts that showed their admiration for Him and affirmed that the King was born. “What is the significance of these gifts?” In those days, gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were used to show honor to a royal ruler. These lavish gifts were often given to a future king and were highly prized and expensive. Gifts for a king were not new when Jesus came. Psalm 72 was a prayer for the future kings in the Davidic line, beginning with Solomon, to rule in righteousness, protect the weak and needy, and bless the nations. In the psalm, we see all others falling down to serve the one king and presenting him with gifts. In 1 Kings 10:1-10, the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon and brought lavish gifts, including gold and spices, just like the Wise Men to Jesus. Only this time, it was for the true King who would have an eternal kingdom and rule forever.