The Magi's Gifts
The gifts that the magi bring Jesus are gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three special gifts symbolize three aspects of who Jesus is. What does the gold symbolize?
Gold symbolizes Jesus’ authority or rightful role as leader. In Jesus’ time on Earth, gold was considered very valuable and few people had any. To have gold, a person needed wealth and power like a king, which is a type of powerful leader. Gold is a gift for a king.
What are other words the magi are sometimes called?
The magi are sometimes called the “wise men” or the “kings.”
There are four books of the bible that have stories about Jesus’ time on Earth. These books, called the Gospels, are Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. Only one of these books mentions the visit of the magi. Which one?
The Gospel of Matthew
The gifts that the magi bring Jesus are gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three special gifts symbolize three aspects of who Jesus is. What does the frankincense symbolize?
Frankincense symbolizes Jesus’ sameness with God. In Jesus’ time on Earth, frankincense was considered the best type of incense. It was used in both religious ceremonies and ancient medicine. It was considered sacred and cleansing. Frankincense is a gift for God.
How many magi came to see Jesus?
The exact number isn’t known. However, we know there was more than one. Because the magi all traveled together, it’s often assumed that there wouldn’t have been more than twelve. Art often shows three magi, with each one holding a different gift.
In one of the books of the bible, a prophet living roughly 700 years before Jesus’ time on Earth predicts the magi visiting Jesus in the future. Which book of bible is this? (Hint: It’s named for a prophet.)
The Book of Isaiah
The gifts that the magi bring Jesus are gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These three special gifts symbolize three aspects of who Jesus is. What does the myrrh symbolize?
Myrrh symbolizes Jesus’ loving sacrifice for all people. In Jesus’ time on Earth, Myrrh was both given as medicine to the very sick and put on bodies of the dead to respectfully prepare them for burial. After Jesus died on the cross, myrrh was one of the spices put on his body. Myrrh is a gift for a saviour.
Who were the magi?
The magi were people from the East who studied things such as philosophy, religion, science, and the stars.
Magi who lived before those who visited Jesus are mentioned in one book of the bible. Which one?
The Book of Daniel