And having come into the house, they saw the young child with His mother Mary, and falling down, they worshiped Him. And opening their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold and frankincense and myrrh.
Truth to Learn
Read your Bible carefully and watch God provide for you.
Behind the Words
The word translated “house” is oikos, which refers to the family dwelling place and is never used in reference to a stable.
The word “young child” is translated from paidion, which we also saw back in verse nine. It is the diminutive of the word pais, meaning “a child.” Thus, paidion literally means “a little child.” It can refer to anything from an infant to a young boy or girl. However, the word brephos, used in Luke 2:16 refers to “an unborn child or a new born child.”
The word translated “treasures” is thēsauros, which refers to “something of great value.” As used here, it probably refers to the receptacle or box that the valuable things were carried in.
Chrusos is the word translated “gold.” It can refer to anything made out of gold, or it can refer figuratively to anything of great value.
“Frankincense” is from libanos, which refers to a tree or the highly valued transparent and fragrant incense that is produced from its sap. It has been discovered that frankincense was a valuable healing agent as well.
“Myrrh” is translated from smyrna, a bitter tasting but fragrant substance from the sap of the small, thorny smyrna bush. Like frankincense, myrrh has been found to be a valuable healing agent.
Meaning Explained
Most nativity scenes show three kings offering gifts to the Christ child who is lying in a manger surrounded by the stable animals. However, a careful examination of the text along with Luke 2:21, 22 and Leviticus 12:1-8 reveals that Mary and Joseph remained in Bethlehem for at least 40 days after Jesus’ birth in order to fulfill the law. If the Magi had come to the stable, since Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with Jesus immediately after the Magi departed, there wouldn’t have been time for the purification. Also note that verse eleven says “having come into the house …” And notice that Luke refers to Jesus in the manger as a newborn child, whereas Matthew here calls Him a young child. Based on these facts, it is obvious that the magi did not come to the stable where Jesus was born, but to the house in which Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were staying.
Have you ever wondered why God would have these magi present such valuable gifts to the young King of the Jews? Consider this: immediately after the magi left, Joseph was warned by an angel in a dream that he, Mary, and the baby should flee to Egypt. In Egypt they would be foreigners, and as a carpenter Joseph would not likely be able to sustain the family through his profession. The precious gifts would provide for this young family while they were in Egypt.
Application
There are two things of particular note in this passage of Scripture. The first is that we are sometimes misled by traditions that have been handed down to us. Nearly all nativity scenes show the three magi offering gifts to Jesus in the manger. Traditions can be misleading.
The other thing is that God knows what we need before we do. A number of times in my life I received unexpected “extra” money only to have a need show up right afterward. I used to complain about these unexpected needs, feeling that it wasn’t fair that I had to use the recently received “riches” to pay for these newly acquired “necessities.” Now, instead of complaining, I realize that God is providing me with what I need, just as I need it and I thank Him for His loving provision.
On this Christmas day, let’s thank God for the Christmas gift of a precious little baby, who was given to us, not because we asked for it, but because He knew what we needed it and He gave it to us at just the right time!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2015 Will Krause. All rights reserved