Matthew 2:11 “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
GOLD A great gift for a King. Scripture rarely speaks of it ... perhaps it would remind Him of His home in heaven, where it is abundant. Rev 21:18
FRANKINCENSE was often mixed with flour and oil as an offering (Lev 2:2); or a memorial; perhaps a reminder He was here to give His life.
Find out what's happening in Wallingfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“MYRRH". Mentioned three times in the New Testament. Matthew 2:11, at His birth.... when God laid aside His glory to be placed in the womb of a woman that He created.
The final mention of "myrrh" is in John 19:39-40 “And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of "myrrh" and aloes, about a hundred pounds... Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.”
Find out what's happening in Wallingfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Myrrh" was mentioned at His crucifixion. *Mark 15:23 “Then they gave Him wine mingled with "myrrh" to drink, but He did not take it.” Crucifixion customs of that time tell us that the wine was mixed with "myrrh" and given to victims prior to their crucifixion because it had an anesthetic effect. The physical effects of the wine and "myrrh" made it difficult for the victim to resist or escape their impending death. This intoxicating state would enable the centurions to easily nail their victim to a cross. Sadly, this was not an act of compassion, but of convenience. Scripture tells us that our Lord did not take it. He would not lose control of His senses or will. John 10:17-18 says “ .... I lay down My life that I may take it again... No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself..."
Our Savior would not be drugged into giving up His life. He willingly, deliberately laid down His life for us. There was no numbness as the spikes penetrated His sinless hands. There was no deadening of pain as the cross was lifted and his body weight pulled against the iron nails. There was no relief until the last drop of blood was spilled, the final breath released and every single sin atoned for. Imagine this immense sacrifice ... and imagine that somehow He considered us worth the price.
For all the gifts they brought Him they could never compare to the gift He gave us.
