The Gifts the Magi Receivedنموونە

Day 3: The Gift of the King

On our final day journeying with the magi, we reach the third and final gift in this story: the gift of Jesus the true king. The story of the magi features two kings and it’s helpful to contrast them with one another.

First, there’s Herod. He was a successful, well-connected, and ruthless king of the Jews. He gained a reputation as a successful administrator, builder, and negotiator, but he also had a habit of ordering self-serving executions (of even his own family) and making cruel decisions that came at the expense of his people. He was in fact a usurper to the Jewish throne, placed upon it by his friends in Rome. While he was a powerful leader, then, he was also insecure and watched closely for any signs of a rebellion. It’s no wonder, then, that Herod panicked (to put it mildly) when magi from the east appeared in Jerusalem asking after a man born king of the Jews.

Then there’s the other king in this story: Jesus. While Herod was fearful of uprisings and used his power to manipulate situations to serve his own ends, Jesus used His power to serve us. And while Herod decreed the death of many to protect his life and grip on the throne, Jesus gave up His heavenly throne—and His life—for us.

Jesus’ heart is perhaps on display most clearly in the events surrounding what we could call His coronation ceremony. The title “king of the Jews” is on the lips of the magi in Matthew 2:2. The next time we hear that phrase in Matthew’s Gospel is when a question is put to Jesus by Pilate.

Then we see this title used again when soldiers beat Jesus and make fun of Him. They dress Him as a king with a staff in His right hand and a crown of thorns on His head, mocking Him and hailing Him “king of the Jews!”. The final time this title appears in Matthew’s Gospel is when it’s scribbled on a sign and placed above Jesus’ head as He suffocates to death on a cross.

This is no ordinary coronation ceremony, yet it’s the one Jesus chooses.

It’s this kind of king that makes foreign magi travel from lands afar to worship. Even the sign of this king—not His presence—can cause magi to “rejoice exceedingly with great joy”. And this kind of king can cause magi to fall to their knees in worship.

This is the king who is given to us as a gift this Christmas.

Reflect:
List some ways that Jesus is different from the people of our world. Turn these into praise.
The story of the magi is full of gifts and God’s generosity. It’s also full of drama, intrigue, and glory. Why not take some time to keep reading it and reflecting on how you see God’s grace in it?

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