Were They Really Wise?

Grandchildren of Gail (Pugh) and Clay Mateer--aren't they precious

Magi…Wise men….Astronomers…

We are not exactly sure who these men were that were mentioned at the birth of Jesus. They have intrigued scholars for years, but there are some things we do know. 

They came from the east and had probably heard about a promised Savior when the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon. Daniel and others had been leaders in the palace and had most likely told others about their faith in God and that there was a Messiah who would be born in Israel to save the world from their sins. Isn’t it interesting that people from heathen nations were expecting the promise more than the people who should have been looking eagerly?

 

They came to worship the newborn king. They didn’t come to Him looking to see what they could get from Him, but simply to honor Him, to bow before Him because He was deserving of it.

When they saw the baby, they were overjoyed. They knew they had found something special and they were content to see Him and be in His presence for just a short time.

They brought treasures to the Baby Jesus, not a layette or a silver spoon; instead they brought gifts that were meaningful and prophetic.

• Gold—was the gift fit for a king, not the child of a poor family. Jesus is king today in the hearts and lives of those who love Him, but one day He will take His rightful place as King of Kings and Lord of Lords of the entire world.
• Frankincense—was used in temple worship by creating a sweet fragrant offering to God and was representative of the role of High Priest which Christ ultimately fulfilled by sacrificing Himself for our sins and continues now as He sits at the right hand of God interceding for us.
• Myrrh—pointed not to the life of Jesus, but to His substitutionary death since it was a very expensive perfume used for burial. It was most likely what Nicodemus used when he wrapped the body of Jesus in linen after His crucifixion.

The wise men may not have known the meaning of the gifts that they took to Jesus as they worshipped Him, but they had great meaning.

The wise men were seeking and searching for the most important thing in life and found Jesus. Their efforts brought them abundant joy. They gave freely of their time and their wealth and the sacrifices made them worthy of being recorded in the Bible for all eternity. 

We buy gifts for many people at this time of year; we should offer gifts to Jesus also. They may not be monetary gifts, but I think this little poem that is displayed on my wall each Christmas tells us what He really wants as His gift today.

What can I give Him poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd I would bring Him a lamb.

If I were a wise man I would do my part.

Yet what can I give Him? I’ll give Him my heart.

By Christina G Rossetti

So, were the wise men really wise? The answer is a definitive yes. Their wisdom is found in the fact that they sought to find the Messiah. Do you want that too? If so, you too can be wise in the eyes of God.

Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

www.hearthope.org