Seeking Baby Jesus Today: Wise Man or King Herod? (Part 2)

At first glance, the wise men and King Herod seem equally determined to find baby Jesus (see Seeking Baby Jesus Today: Wise Man or King Herod? (Part 1). Both were important, respected people of high position. Yet their actions in responding to Jesus' birth were truly different. 

What lay behind their actions? And who are we today: the wise men or Herod?

Here is the second lesson we can learn from their story:

A Gift for Baby Jesus: Gold or Stones?

Then he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child, and as soon as you find Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 

After hearing the king's words, they departed. And behold, the star they had seen in the East went ahead of them until it came and stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 

– Matthew 2:8-10

Because of their sincere intention and persistence, the wise men were finally able to meet baby Jesus and Mary, His mother, and they rejoiced greatly. 

Then they went into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another way.  – Matthew 2:11-12

Although at first the enthusiasm of the wise men and King Herod looked similar, their true intentions were revealed when they found out the truth about the whereabouts of baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

The wise men were not only willing to sacrifice much to make the journey in search of baby Jesus, but they also gave Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This means that long beforehand, they had prepared their best offering for the divine Child. 

If we pay attention, these three items seem rather unusual to give to a baby. Yet the wise men surely regarded these three gifts as having special meaning.

1.Gold

Gold is a precious gift usually given to a king, showing that the giver values and honors his greatness. When visiting Solomon, the Queen of Sheba presented gold as a sign that she honored Solomon's greatness (1 Kings 10:1-13). 

2.Frankincense

Frankincense was often used in ceremonies at the Temple. When burned together with a burnt offering, frankincense produced a fragrant aroma. Giving frankincense to baby Jesus implies that one day people would worship Him. 

3.Myrrh

Myrrh was one of the spices sprinkled over a body in a burial ceremony. Perhaps the wise men thought that this king would save his people and be willing to die for them. This parallels Jesus' coming to die to redeem the sins of humanity. 

The wise men knew who the king they were visiting was. That is why they knew what offering was fitting to give Him. 

On the other hand, Herod never came to worship baby Jesus. Even though he needed no more time than the wise men to meet baby Jesus, he never did so. When he realized that he had been tricked by them, Herod was furious. He ordered his soldiers to kill all the boys two years old and under in Bethlehem and its surrounding area (Matthew 2:16-18). 

Do Not Become a Stumbling Block

When someone with wrong motives in seeking God does not get what he wants, he will cause trouble. He hurts innocent people and makes the situation even worse. He becomes a stumbling block to others.

If you still have a heart like Herod's, repent. At first people may think that you are sincerely seeking God. But when they see that your actions do not align with God's word, they may instead become reluctant to know Christ. In that way, you become a stumbling block to many people.

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a large millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks. Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come.” – Matthew 18:6-7

What Is the Best Offering for God?

If we have the right motive like the wise men, we will come to God and give Him what is best. We know what gift is fitting for the King who was born to save our lives. We will not be calculating with our time, money, or energy. Instead, we give our lives for His glory with great joy.

What have you offered to God all this time? Have you given your best time for your quiet time? Helped others wholeheartedly? Given your time selflessly and without calculation so that others may come to know God? 

As we prepare to welcome the birth of Jesus very soon, let us reflect personally: Am I seeking God with the right motive? And have I given my best to the King of kings, the owner of this world, who was willing to suffer so that I might receive eternal life?

Merry Christmas to us all. The Lord Jesus bless you!

Read also: Seeking Baby Jesus Today: Wise Man or King Herod? (Part 1).

References:
Adi S, Lukas. 2012. Smart Book Of Christianity. Yogyakarta: Penerbit Andi.
www.biblestudy.org/basicart/who-are-the-magi.html
www.whychristmas.com/story/wisemen.shtml
www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/gold-frankincense-and-myrrh.html
www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/5-common-myths-about-the-three-wise-men-story.html

-

Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official:
WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

Related articles: Offer Your “Five Loaves and Two Fish,” and See the Result!

Inspirational video: