The first ten chapters of Matthew, show “The Revelation of the King.” A King like no other. A King that did not begin His reign here. Instead a King that left His Kingdom in Heaven. For what purpose? To robe Himself in flesh and walk among His creation to give Himself, all of Himself to it…better yet for it.
Matthews Gospel reveals this King by showing Him to the Jews as to His Person (1–4), His principles (5–7), and His power (8–10). Matthew is seeking to prove that Jesus Christ is the King, “the Son of David.” In the first chapter, he gives the human ancestry of Christ (vv. 1–17), then describes the birth of Christ (vv. 18–25). Thus, Jesus is the “root and the offspring of David” (Rev. 22:16). He is “the root” in that He is eternal God and brought David into being; He is the “offspring” in that His humanity is linked to David in His birth (Rom. 1:1–4).
Then Matthew moves to chapter 2 where he writes:
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”
This is an amazing picture. Matthew has just built the case to a Jewish audience as to the validity of the Davidic lineage of Jesus, even though it may read like a phone book. Then he transitions showing this beautiful picture of these “wise men” these scholars coming to find Jesus! Notice, God gives them the gift of a “star” (see verse 2) which led them to His other gift “the young Child” (see verse 11) which was no mere child, but the very Son of God. These scholars, these “wise men” then did something. We’ve heard it, read it, and even depicted it in our Christmas plays, nativities, and Church productions this time of the year.
Look at verse 11 one more time. It reads, “And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
What a beautiful and teachable picture to us these men, no matter how many there were, whether two, three, or three hundred we can learn something from this amazing portion of the story of the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus.
Amazing isn’t it.
Yet in reading the above, I think to myself what can I give? What would God have me to give? Is there anything God would have me to give someone else? Is there anything I can ever give Him or someone else that will really last? That will not break? That will not wear out? What can I give that will keep on giving? Is there such a gift that will keep on giving?
The answer to these questions an emphatic yes!
If you are still looking for a gift at this late hour I have discovered three gifts, three gifts like that of the “wise men,” that will last and last. But not only will they last they will keep giving and are gifts that everyone needs. What are they?
Gift #1 = FORGIVENESS
There are so many people that are at the throat of each other and many times it seems to be for no particular or worthwhile reason. In all of travels and as long as I have been in ministry I have heard of some strange reasons people were upset with someone else (i.e. too educated, someone was able to have a baby while another was not, a death in the family, someone said or didn’t say something, someone had or did not have money, and so many other things).
I do not know who may be reading these words, but I would ask you: is there someone right now you need to call, write, email, or physically go to (this would be my recommendation by the way if you can) and simply say the words, “I forgive you!” or “Will you please forgive me?”
The problem in far too many homes, families, relationships, and in many churches is there is harbored hatred and forgiveness has not taken place.
Forgiveness is a gift that keeps on giving! When you extend forgiveness to another or receive forgiveness from another there will be peace between the two sides, peace with oneself, and ultimately peace between you and a Holy God (see Mark 1:35-16).
Give the gift that will keep on giving to someone: FORGIVENESS.
Gift #2 = LOVE
People are starving! Have you noticed that? It is obvious that around the world people are starving from lack of nutrition. However, many are not just starving for food or water, they are starving for love. After speaking with a pastor recently, with tears in his eyes he relayed to me the heavy hearts and the lack of attention and love that many husbands, wives, and kids experience and feel even during this time of the year.
Sadly, many husbands and wives never hear their spouse say, “I love you!” They never feel the embrace of one another.
Many children never hear a Mommy or a Daddy say, “I love you! I’m proud of you! You’re special to me! I believe in you!” They never get a hug! They never get a kiss! They never get tucked in at night!
The old adage is “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care!” This is such a popular statement, but it is still true.
People are so broken, in need! They are looking for hope, but do not know where to find it. Those within the church, those that name the name of Christ, those who have experienced the wonderful grace and love of God because of God’s gift of His Son to us must live and extend this love of Christ to those we come in contact with, live with, and are around.
Think about it: Do you love you spouse? Do you love your children? Do you love your fellow man? How do they know? We cannot excuse ourselves by simply thinking it is because we bring home a paycheck, keep a house clean, buy things for them, take them places, or leave them a good tip (or things like this). Nothing can replace three simple words: “I LOVE YOU!!!!” It is good to show, and we must show, but we must also never forget to say those wonderful and powerful words.
What about God? Do you tell Him you love Him? What are those ways to show God you love Him?
LOVE is a gift that keeps on giving! Give that gift to someone this year.
Gift #3 = The GOSPEL
The greatest gift one can ever give is the Gospel! The story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What an amazing gift!
The Gospel will give one forgiveness of their sins, bring hope to their heart, peace in their life, prepare a path for them that allows them (yes) to escape judgment in Hell and go to Heaven. But far greater than that, the Gospel allows one to have a relationship with a Holy God! The Gospel, when accepted, allows one to be made righteous and become a child of God because of what Jesus, the only Son of God has done.
The question this forces me to ask myself is: Who is it that I can share the hope of the Gospel with? Not because I am a minister. If we know Christ we are all ministers. We all preach a never ending sermon each and every day! The funny thing is this, in this sermon, we can give the invitation at anytime for someone to receive the Truth of the Gospel.
The GOSPEL is a gift that everyone needs and ultimately keeps on giving, eternally giving!
These are three gifts. Three glorious gifts that keep on giving. So, I encourage you this year, be like the “wise men” and give to someone else a gift that goes beyond yourself that will honor Christ and that will keep on giving tomorrow, next month, and all eternity.
Merry Christmas all!
