The Three Gifts to Jesus – Frankincense3 minute read
This is the second part of a 3 part series on the gifts for Jesus. See part one here: Why the Gift of Gold?
We are discussing the significance of the 3 gifts given to Jesus as a young child by the Wise men found in Matthew 2:11.
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.
In this article, I want to focus on the gift of frankincense. Aside from it being a staple in your wife’s vast collection of essential oils, frankincense has been used since ancient times for many different applications. Everything from medicinal purposes to worship.
What is Frankincense?
Frankincense is a dried sap from a certain tree found in the Middle East and parts of Africa. Much like tapping a Maple tree, the frankincense tree is wounded by a chisel-like tool which allows the sap to run out of the tree and dry into “tears”. The sap is then collected and dried once more.
What is Frankincense used for?
According to the Bible, Frankincense was a component of holy incense for worship to God. You can find a recipe in Exodus 30:34 that Moses was instructed to concoct for God. This was considered a pure and holy recipe containing sweet spices mixed with pure frankincense. Frankincense was found in meal offerings to God and was used to anoint high priests.
There were other uses for the substance though. It was believed to be used as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
Frankincense in Worship
Though the medicinal uses might be true, I believe the wise men meant the gift to be a symbol of worship. We know the wise men believed that the child they were going to see was the Messiah spoken of by the prophets. So, believing this, they also knew that the child they were visiting was also God. The deity of Jesus was clear in the prophets, so the wise men came prepared to worship as if they were worshiping in the temple.
When burned, pure frankincense burns a beautiful white flame and emits an earthy aroma of citrus. This made the wise men believe it was a pleasing gift for God. I would like to note that frankincense was not used in sacrificial rituals, but in praise and worship only. It was a substance used to praise and thank God for his holiness.
You see, frankincense was an important part of worship to God. God himself instructed Moses to use it.
When burned, pure frankincense burns a beautiful white flame and emits an earthy aroma of citrus which was considered to be pleasing to God.
Why Frankincense as a Gift to Jesus?
The aroma described above is what made the wise men believe it was a fitting gift for Jesus. They knew it was used in temple worship and felt it was necessary to present it to Jesus since he is considered the high priest (Hebrews 10:17). The wise men saw the gift of frankincense as a means of worship. It was a way for them to praise and thank God for his gift to the world and recognize him as the high priest.
Conclusion
As we know, Jesus is God. He is our high Priest and He is worthy of our praise. The wise men knew this and was very purposeful when selecting the gift of frankincense. They selected it in honor of the high priest, Christ Jesus, and in praise to God. Thanking him for his holiness.
What are your thoughts? Let me know if you can think of another reason the wise men might have selected frankincense.
Next: Why the Gift of Myrrh?
Travis Haines
Husband | Father | IT Guy | Blogger | Author and Creator of ChristianIntrovert.com wanting to encourage those who question their abilities in Christ. Don't let your Introversion define who you are and don't use it as an excuse to shut yourself out from the world.