The Three Gifts of the Magi and Their Symbolic Meaning

 The Three Gifts of the Magi and Their Symbolic Meaning

Introduction

In the story of the birth of Jesus, the visit of the Magi is one of the most well-known and beloved accounts. The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which have fascinated theologians, scholars, and readers for centuries. These gifts are not just historical items presented to a newborn king, but also symbolic offerings that hold deeper spiritual meaning.

This blog post will explore the three gifts brought by the Magi, looking at their symbolic significance in relation to Jesus' identity and His mission, as well as their connections to the Four Faces of Christ.

1. Gold – A Symbol of Kingship

The first gift presented by the Magi was gold, which was symbolic of royalty and kingship. Gold has long been associated with wealth, power, and authority. In the ancient world, gold was often reserved for kings and rulers, making it a fitting gift for Jesus, who was recognized by the Magi as the King of the Jews.

  • Scripture Reference: “Then opened he their treasure, and they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11, KJV)

  • Connection to Kingship: Gold represents the royalty of Christ, just as the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the King. This aligns with the Lion face of Christ, as Matthew portrays Jesus as the King of the Jews who has come to fulfill the royal line of David. The gift of gold acknowledges His divine kingship and His authority over all things.

2. Frankincense – A Symbol of Divinity and Priesthood

The second gift, frankincense, is a fragrant resin used in religious rituals, especially in the worship of deities. In the Old Testament, frankincense was used in the temple offerings and sacrifices, making it a symbol of worship and priestly duties. By presenting frankincense to Jesus, the Magi acknowledged His divine nature and His role as the High Priest.

  • Scripture Reference: “And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11, KJV)

  • Connection to Priesthood: Frankincense is linked to the priestly role of Jesus. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is portrayed as the Son of Man, fulfilling the role of the compassionate High Priest who mediates between God and humanity. The gift of frankincense also connects to the Ox face of Christ, representing His role as the servant who offers Himself as a sacrifice for humanity.

3. Myrrh – A Symbol of Suffering and Death

The final gift, myrrh, was a bitter-smelling resin used in the ancient world for anointing bodies and preparing them for burial. This gift foreshadows the suffering and death that Jesus would experience in His mission to save humanity. Myrrh was a symbol of His sacrificial death—a reminder of the price He would pay for the sins of the world.

  • Scripture Reference: “And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11, KJV)

  • Connection to Suffering: Myrrh is deeply connected to the suffering face of Christ. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is portrayed as the servant who came to give His life as a ransom for many. The myrrh offered by the Magi is a prophetic symbol of His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, and it aligns with the Ox face of Christ, representing suffering and service.

The Symbolic Meaning in Light of the Four Faces of Christ

These gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh not only point to the earthly kingship, priestly service, and sacrificial death of Jesus but also connect to the Four Faces of Christ:

  • Gold aligns with the Lion, symbolizing Jesus as the King and ruler of all.

  • Frankincense aligns with the Ox, representing the priestly and sacrificial nature of Christ as the servant who intercedes on behalf of humanity.

  • Myrrh points to the Man, highlighting the suffering and death of Jesus in His human nature.

Conclusion: The Gifts and Their Prophetic Fulfillment

The three gifts brought by the Magi were not only symbolic of who Jesus is but also pointed forward to His mission on earth. These gifts foreshadowed His kingship, His role as priest and mediator, and His sacrificial death. Together, they give us a fuller picture of the Four Faces of Christ—each one representing a different aspect of His nature and work.

The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are more than just offerings from wise men—they are prophetic symbols that reveal the divine plan for the salvation of humanity, encapsulating the fullness of who Jesus is: the King, the Priest, the Servant, and the Savior.

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