1. 1 Persians Gold: The Metal of Kings Incense: The Worship of God Myrrh: The Gift of Death Wise, Wise Men The Gifts of the Wise

2. 2 Persians  1 Corinthians 1:26  Probably more than three  Probably several years after Jesus’ birth  Probably a star of the miraculous  None of this is important to Matthew  He is interested in the fact they are Gentiles and in the gifts they bear The Gifts of the Wise

3. 3 Gold: The Metal of Kings  Gold was the metal given to kings  It acknowledged the right to rule  Seneca – “No one can approach a king without a gift and the only proper gift is gold.”  This most likely funded the Egypt trip The Gifts of the Wise

4. 4 Incense: The Worship of God  Used in the Temple worship  Mixed with oil and used to anoint priests  Blended into the meal offerings that were presented to the priests by the people as thanks and praise gifts to God – Philippians 4:18 The Gifts of the Wise

5. 5 Incense: The Worship of God  Incense was never mixed with sin offerings  This points to Jesus being without sin  John 8:46  It was recognized from His birth His worthiness to take on our sins The Gifts of the Wise

6. 6 Myrrh: The Gift of Death  Myrrh was used in embalming process  Important item of commerce – 100 lbs.  Revelation 2 – Smyrna (myrrh)  Not an offensive gift but one of faith  Psalm 22:1; Isaiah 53:4,5  Also an anesthetic that Jesus refused The Gifts of the Wise

7. 7 Wise, Wise Men  Magoi – great and powerful ones  They were wise enough to: 1.Seek Him 2.Seek information about Him – Romans 10:6-8 3.Worship Him when they found Him – 2 Timothy 3:7 The Gifts of the Wise

8. 8 Application Have you found Jesus? Are you earnestly seeking Him? Have you predetermined to worship Him when you find the truth? The Gifts of the Wise

9. 9 Application If you have already found Him, are you offering Him your gifts? Your Gold (gifts, talents, possessions) Your Incense (whole life worship) Your Myrrh (dying to yourself because of the spiritual death you deserve but Christ has taken in His own death) The Gifts of the Wise