The night was still as the Star of David announced Jesus’ birth. Swaddled in cloth and appearing to have all the same attributes as the sweet babies that have gone before, God makes His appearance to man. After the anticipated journey, the wise men arrived, and in an instant they fell down and worshiped Jesus. They didn’t question what they should do, rather they immediately showed the respect God deserves. They were clearly called wise men for a reason.

What example did the wise men express on this beautiful day?

1. They worshiped (proskuneo) God

Proskuneo is a Greek word that means to fall down prostrate and adore on one’s knees

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

They expressed their thankfulness and gratitude to Jesus in a way that was customary in their day to show respect by worshiping at His feet and basking in His presence.  Amidst the busyness of our every day lives how do we carve out the time to tell God that we are thankful?

2. They offered gifts to God.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

• Gold (their wealth)
• Frankincense (a pure perfume that let off a fragrant smell used in the sanctuary)
• Myrrh (perfume used for medicinal purposes, typical at funerals)

The wise men did not arrive empty handed. They offered gifts that outwardly portrayed their appreciation. Sometimes we feel we don’t have anything left to give, yet, it is amazing what starts to happen when we reverse our priorities; when we offer God our best, rather then give from our remnants. I am always humbled, when I hear of people going on mission trips to third world countries, and although their possessions are few the people they stay with offer the best they have as a thank you for coming. What gifts or talents do you have that can be offered to God? I heard it once said “everything worth having comes with a sacrifice.” Are you willing to make sacrifices in your life to show God you love Him?

3. They obeyed God.

And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:12

God addressed the wise men in a dream to not return to King Herod, and they obeyed. This was not a simple act of obedience; they were risking their lives. Even though our acts of obedience are usually not that extreme, we are still presented with choices everyday that either hinder or grow our faith. Are you willing to step up to the plate and walk through whatever door God calls you to?

Wrapping It Up

The wise men are just a few of many that have gone before us, that sought to honor God with their lives, appropriately offering their gifts of thankfulness, possessions, and obedience to express to God their love and appreciation of Him.