The Gospel of Matthew tells of the three kings' gifts that were given to Jesus and every year we sing a popular Christmas song about the three kings who brought the gifts. The song is not technically correct, because the Bible does not tell us they were kings. This assumption is probably from the value of the gifts that they brought to Jesus. The Bible calls these men "wise men" (Matthew 2:1) and there's reason to believe they were from the Persian priestly caste of magi (read Who were the Three Wise Men?). While the song is not accurate in calling them "kings," it is accurate in speaking of the three gifts that they brought. So what are the gifts and what is the significance of each? Let's first start with what the Bible tells us.
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2:11)
Having first journeyed to Jerusalem, the wise men followed the star until it led them to Jesus. Notice that when they came before Jesus, they "fell down and worshipped Him." That posture acknowledged both His Lordship and Kingship.
The Bible accurately calls these men, "wise men." They gave of their time, talent and treasures to Jesus.
- They had journeyed far to see this Child — a gift of time.
- They had followed His star — a gift of talent.
- They desired to worship Him and brought Him gifts — a gift of treasures.