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What Gifts Do You Bring

Mt 2:1-12 CHRISTMAS - The Red Wagon and Baby Jesus It was the day AFTER Christmas at a church in the country. The pastor of the church was looking at the outside manger scene on the church lawn when he noticed that the baby Jesus figure was missing from the cradle. He immediately turned and saw a little boy with a red wagon walking down the street. And in the wagon, was the figure of the infant Jesus. So he walked up to the boy and said, "Son, where did you get that little baby Jesus that's in your wagon?" The little boy replied, "I got him from the church." "And why did you take him?" asked the pastor. The little boy replied, "Well, about a week before Christmas, I prayed and I told Jesus if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride in it!" (from the internet) Introduction People give gifts to each other for many reasons – birthdays, house-warmings, hospitality gifts, anniversary gifts, Mothers and Fathers Days, Valentines Day, and of course, Christmas. Gifts say, “You are special. I care about you. I want you to have something nice.” Through history people often brought gifts to royalty. When the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon she brought many gifts.

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Gifts can be given with pure or impure motives. Some people might give a gift because they genuinely like another person, but gifts might also be given to try to get on a person’s good side. In the story today we are going to look at what Herod and the wisemen brought to that first Christmas, and then ask ourselves the question, “What gifts do we bring?” Before looking at what Herod and the wisemen brought, it is first helpful to learn a bit more about who Herod and the wisemen were.” But before doing that, let’s listen to the story as recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'" 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

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10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12

And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Who was Herod? Herod was a king, but he was not Caesar Augustus! Caesar Augustus was the Roman emperor at the time of Christ’s birth. He was the one who gave the decree recorded in Luke 2:1 that everyone needed to return to their city of origin so a census could be taken for the purpose of Roman taxes. That is why Joseph and Mary had headed to Bethlehem. The kingdom that Herod ruled was only a small part of the Roman Empire. Herod answered to Caesar. To give you an idea of the difference between the Roman Empire at the time of Christ, and the Herodian Kingdom, check out the two maps below. The first shows the Roman Empire under various Caesars. The second map shows the basic area of Herod’s Kingdom.

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There are many Herods mentioned in the Bible. This Herod was known as Herod the Great. He was King of Judea, Galilee, Iturea, and Traconitis from 37-4 BC. He was the one in power when Jesus was born.

Herod was a brilliant but brutal man. He was a non-Jew, an Idumean. Herod was appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate in 40 BC and actually gained control in 37 BC. He was ruthless, murdering his wife, his three sons, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and many others – not to mention all the babies in Bethlehem after the birth of Jesus. As King, however, he did some of the most amazing building projects. He built many theaters, ampitheaters, monuments, pagan altars, and fortresses. He even allowed the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The project was begun in 19 BC and finished 68 years after Herod the Great’s death. (Information taken from the footnotes of the NASB Study Bible, Copyright 1999.)

HEROD - (her'-ud): The name Herod (Herodes) is a familiar one in the history of the Jews and of the early Christian church. The name itself signifies "heroic," a name not wholly applicable to the family, which was characterized by craft and knavery rather than by heroism. The fortunes of the

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Herodiam family are inseparably connected with the last flickerings of the flame of Judaism, as a national power, before it was forever extinguished in the great Jewish war of rebellion, 70 AD. The history of the Herodian family is not lacking in elements of greatness, but whatever these elements were and in whomsoever found, they were in every ease dimmed by the insufferable egotism which disfigured the family, root and branch. Some of the Herodian princes were undeniably talented; but these talents, wrongly used, left no marks for the good of the people of Israel. Of nearly all the kings of the house of Herod it may truly be said that at their death "they went without being desired," unmissed, unmourned. The entire family history is one of incessant brawls, suspicion, intrigue arid shocking immorality. In the baleful and waning light of the rule of the Herodians, Christ lived and died, and under it the foundations of the Christian church were laid. (from International

Standard Bible Encylopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright (C) 1996 by Biblesoft)

The great Jewish historian, Josephus, wrote this epitaph of Herod the Great: "A man he was of great barbarity toward all men equally, and a slave to his passions, but above the consideration of what was right.” In other words, Herod was cruel, a slave to his passions, and didn’t really care about doing what was right, only what was expedient for him.

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Who were the Magi? They Were Magicians They were called magi (in Greek - magoi). Our word, magic, comes from this word. Magic originally meant, the work of the magi. The magi were first recognized about 700 B.C. as a Median tribe. Their religion encompassed a belief in the primacy of the elements: fire, earth, water and air. Fire was the most important. They had an altar with a perpetual flame that they believed had been kindled from heaven. On a separate altar they would make animal sacrifices, burning part of the animal with fire from their fire altar. Not much of the animal was burned with the rest being consumed by the worshipers and the priest. The important thing in the sacrifice was not the flesh of the animal but the life that was taken during the sacrifice. Those in the Magian priesthood wore long white robes and tall somewhat conical hats with side flaps that covered their cheeks down to their chins. They also carried small bundles of divining rods known as barsoms. These were used in soothsaying and officiating at sacrifices. They would also place these rods in various patterns on the ground as they chanted incantations. In the 6th Century the Magian system was decreed to be the state religion of Media and magi were made an official part of the Median political structure having a dual role with religious and political power. In Persia in the 6th century, the magi adopted Zoroastrianism when Darius the Great of Persian declared it the official Persian religion. Zoroastrianism was somewhat similar to Judaism in that

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it said there was one benevolent creator who was opposed by a malevolent evil spirit. Although Zoroastrianism became the official Persian religion, the magi simply added their own beliefs to it to create a syncretistic system. In order for a person to become king in Persia, he first had to be a member of the Magi. The Jews knew the magi as people who practiced astrology (astronomy), sorcery, interpreted dreams and gave omens. Shortly before Christ's birth, the magi had become key members of the upper house of the Megistanes council in the Persian-Parthian empire. This council had the responsibility of assisting in the election (and at times the deposition) of kings, and the general government of the realm. It was thus probably a group of Persian-Parthian king-makers who entered Jerusalem looking for the child that had been born, king of the Jews. The Magi's influence spread throughout the east becoming integral parts of the Persian, Median, Babylonian and Parthian empires. Some people see the magi in a positive light stressing the fact that their astrological practices were more like present day astronomy than astrology. Others see them in a negative light because of their practice of sorcery. The same Greek word "magoi" is used in the New Testament to describe two sorcerers; Simon in Acts 8:9, Elymas in Acts 13:6. These are the only two other places in Scripture that the word magoi is used. If the magi were sorcerers in a bad sense, it is interesting that God chose them to be His first trophies of grace in that they came to the baby Jesus and worshiped Him, thus turning away from Satan and scorcery.

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They Were Gentiles: Non-Jews They were men from the east; east of Israel. Up to this point, God had revealed Himself only to the Jews but now something different was happening. He was going to make salvation open to everyone. Christ was being sent to offer salvation to all people. The magi represented all the non- Jews (Gentiles) who would seek God in the future. They Were Wise Along with their religious responsibilities and practices, the magi were known for their wisdom and were consulted by their kings in matters of government. Members of the lower house of the Megistane council were actually called "The Sophi" which means "the wise men." Although their wisdom and knowledge may have been limited and focused on unwise things like sorcery, when they came to Christ, all that changed. They became wise. No matter what amount of learning a person has, he is not truly wise until he comes to Christ, the source of all wisdom. How many wise men were there? We cannot be sure. Some traditions say 3, some say 14. The Roman Catholic church has the tradition that they were kings and were buried in a place called Colen but we do not know this for sure. What Herod brought to the first Christmas 1. A troubled spirit 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

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Why was Herod troubled? Because he was the king! A new king would be competition. He wanted no competitors. Herod was not born a king, he was an appointed king by Rome. Jesus on the other hand was born a king. Herod knew there was a prophecy about a Messiah who would come, but he did not even want the Messiah treading on his territory. Many people today bring troubled spirits to Christmas. They are king of their own lives and want no competition. They don’t like the thought of being subservient to anyone, let alone a baby in a manger! 2. Deceit 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet: 6 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'" 7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." Herod wanted to know where the Christ (the Messiah) was to be born, as if He, too, wanted to worship Christ. Instead he gathered information for the purpose of killing Christ. Many people today bring deceit to Christmas. Rather than keeping the rightful focus on Christ, they put the focus on holiday merriment, giving of gifts, or Santa Claus. I’m all for enjoying the holidays, giving gifts, and pretending about Santa Claus, but these

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must pale in comparison to our focus and emphasis of Jesus and why He came to earth that first Christmas morning. Among other things, He came to save people from their sins. 3. Death Herod also brought death to that first Christmas. When Herod learned that the magi had tricked him, he became enraged and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its environs. Matthew 2:13-16 (NASB) records the story. 13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him." 14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15 He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON." 16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. What Herod brought to the first Christmas was quite negative. In contrast, the Maji brought things that were worth emulating. What did the Maji Bring? 1. The gift of worship – devotion Mt 2:11a, “And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him;”

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The Greek word for worship here is proskuneo, pros-koo-neh'-o; from Greek 4314 (pros) and a derivative of Greek 2965 (kuon) (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore) :- worship. The word for worship in Matthew 2:11 is the same as in Revelation 11:16 “And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God.” - falling down is a sign of submission - worship (giving Jesus honor) was a sign that they recognized who He was “The King of the Jews” The very first gift we must give Christ is ourselves. It really is what Jesus wants. Have you given that gift? 2. The gift of gold – wealth Mt 2:11b …and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh The gift of gold was monetary wealth. It speaks of Christ’s royalty and deity. The wealth was used to meet the needs of the family and probably to fund the trip to Egypt when they fled there from Herod who was trying to have Christ killed. When we give ourselves to Christ in worship, it is then natural to give financially toward His work. If we really believe He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and will someday return to take us to heaven, it is only natural to give financially to His kingdom. The Bible says that everything belongs to God. It is our privilege to give tithes and offerings to Him.

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3. The gift of frankincense – service and evangelism Mt 2:11b ; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh Frankincense was an incense that when burned gives off a sweet smelling aroma. Our lives, too are to be a sweet smelling aroma to God as we live for Him and share our faith. 2 Cor 2:14-16 states, 14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life…” As we live for God and share our faith, we become that sweet smelling aroma. This is a gift we can give all year long. 4. The gift of myrrh – sacrifice Mt 2:11 And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. Myrrh was a spice used in burial. It signified the sacrificial death that Jesus would die. It is a reminder to us that we are to be living sacrifices for God. We are to lay our lives down for Him. Romans 12:1 states, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” “What gifts do we bring?” First, Jesus wants our hearts. Then we can give of our wealth, our service and evangelism, and sacrifice.

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Let’s be like the wisemen and not like King Herod. Let’s give Christ our very best, now and all year through!