Jesus and the Father’s Provision

Knowing Him / 50 Day Study – Day 2

“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.””

Matthew 2:11-13 NLT

‬‬Three gifts:

Gold

Frankincense

Myrrh

In the movie, the Nativity, the wise men say of their three gifts:

“Gold, for the King of Kings.”

“Frankincense, for the Priest of all Priests.” 

 “A gift of myrrh, to honor the sacrifice.”

Were these three gifts given because of their significance to to identity and purpose of Jesus’ life? Perhaps. We’re not told why these gifts were chosen. Were they given because they were rare and expensive, bringing honor and worship that was fit for a king?

And how were these gifts used by Joseph and Mary?

It’s fascinating to look at the timeline here and see that immediately after the wise men left, an angel appeared to Joseph and told him to leave immediately with his family for Egypt to flee Herod the Great’s murderous intent.

Egypt. This would be a long journey from Bethlehem. How would Joseph pay for this journey? And they would stay in Egypt for some time, likely a few years. How would they pay for their lodging and support themselves. Perhaps Joseph picked up some carpentry work to make ends meet?

It is a powerful thought, though, to consider that God had sent these wise men from a distant land, bringing expensive gifts, on a journey that likely took them months to make. And these wise men, upon their departure from Bethlehem, avoid Herod as an angel simultaneously tells Joseph to flee for Egypt.

Gold

Frankincense

Myrrh

Were these gifts brought from thousands of miles away, planned far in advance by a loving Father, to provide for the protection of His one and only Son, the Messiah?

Joseph and Mary didn’t know they would have to flee. Joseph and Mary didn’t know wise men were on their way. All they knew was God had given them His Son to raise, and He would continue to lead them and provide for them.

What a beautiful picture of their faith!

What a beautiful picture of the loving Father’s faithfulness and provision.