The Gift
During the December series The Gift, our attention will be drawn back to the true meaning of the holiday season. By highlighting the significance of the gifts the wise men brought to Jesus (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), we'll be able to connect the symbolism within the story of Christ’s birth to our relationship with Jesus. This series will provide us with new insight on the birth of Jesus to gain a deeper understanding of who He is.
Week 1 - no one understands me
Matthew 2:10
When they saw the star they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Jesus. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Gold - the kingship of Jesus
Myrrh - Jesus the suffering servant or as the Lamb of God
Frankincense - priestliness of Jesus
Primary Role: The High Priest was the representative of the people before God.
- The priest made sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins.
- The priest prayed prayers on behalf of the people to God.
If we don't understand the holiness of God, we'll always have a casual approach to sin.
Our God is holy and our challenge is we're not!
Hebrews 10:10
For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.
v. 11
Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins.
v. 12
But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time.
Hebrews 4:14-15
So then, since we have a great High Priest, Jesus, who has entered Heaven, Jesus the Son of God, He is our High Priest. Since we have that High Priest, let us hold firmly to what we believe.
v. 16
Let us come boldly before the throne of our gracious God, and then we will receive mercy.
