"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."
Matthew 2 tells how two parties react very differently to the birth of the Messiah. We read how the wise men (possibly kings themselves like Herod) earnestly traveled far and wide to search for the prophesied King of the Jews to worship Him. Then we read of King Herod gripped with fear upon hearing the Good News. He, too, wanted to join the wise men to search for the King of the Jews. However, his intent was not to worship the Messiah but rather to kill Him.
The wise men find the young Messiah with His parents. They fall down to give respect to someone they recognize to be highly significant in human history. They also came prepared to offer gifts to Him. Scholars believe gold denotes His Kingship. Frankincense signifies His Priesthood. And myrrh foretells His coming death and burial.
In this retelling, we realize once more that people will always be divided about the Son of God. Some will accept Him. Others will reject Him. And for those who truly know Christ as God and Savior, worship is a natural response.
