Matthew 2:11
Verse
Context
Sermons
A.W. Tozer
Hans Peter Royer
Bill McLeod
Neil Dougal
Welcome DetweilerSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And when they were come into the house--not the stable; for as soon as Bethlehem was emptied of its strangers, they would have no difficulty in finding a dwelling-house. they saw--The received text has "found"; but here our translators rightly depart from it, for it has no authority. the young child with Mary his mother--The blessed Babe is naturally mentioned first, then the mother; but Joseph, though doubtless present, is not noticed, as being but the head of the house. and fell down and worshipped him--Clearly this was no civil homage to a petty Jewish king, whom these star-guided strangers came so far, and inquired so eagerly, and rejoiced with such exceeding joy, to pay, but a lofty spiritual homage. The next clause confirms this. and when they had opened their treasures they presented--rather, "offered." unto him gifts--This expression, used frequently in the Old Testament of the oblations presented to God, is in the New Testament employed seven times, and always in a religious sense of offerings to God. Beyond doubt, therefore, we are to understand the presentation of these gifts by the Magi as a religious offering. gold, frankincense, and myrrh--Visits were seldom paid to sovereigns without a present (Kg1 10:2, &c.; compare Psa 72:10-11, Psa 72:15; Isa 60:3, Isa 60:6). "Frankincense" was an aromatic used in sacrificial offerings: "myrrh" was used in perfuming ointments. These, with the "gold" which they presented, seem to show that the offerers were persons in affluent circumstances. That the gold was presented to the infant King in token of His royalty; the frankincense in token of His divinity, and the myrrh, of His sufferings; or that they were designed to express His divine and human natures; or that the prophetical, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ are to be seen in these gifts; or that they were the offerings of three individuals respectively, each of them kings, the very names of whom tradition has handed down--all these are, at the best, precarious suppositions. But that the feelings of these devout givers are to be seen in the richness of their gifts, and that the gold, at least, would be highly serviceable to the parents of the blessed Babe in their unexpected journey to Egypt and stay there--that much at least admits of no dispute.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when they were come into the house,.... Which they entered without making any inquiry, being fully assured by the star's standing right over it, that this was the house, and here was the king of the Jews, whom they were come to worship; and having entered in "they saw" some copies read they found the young child, with Mary his mother; in her lap, or arms, or in the house with her, for by this time he might go alone. Joseph perhaps was not at home, but about his business; and which might be so ordered by the providence of God, that so these men might only see the mother of Christ, who had no real father as man; who had they seen Joseph, might have took him to be his proper father. Upon the sight of the young child, they fell down on their knees or faces to the ground, agreeably to the custom of their country, and worshipped him as a king; giving him the same civil honour and respect, as they were wont to do to their own kings and princes; which custom began with Cyrus: for so Xenophon (c) says, that "when the people saw him, , they all worshipped him; either because some were ordered to begin this custom; or else being amazed at the apparatus; or because he seemed to appear so great and beautiful; for before that time none of the Persians worshipped Cyrus.'' And when they had opened their treasures, that is, their purses, bags or boxes, in which they put those things they brought with them necessary for their journey; they presented, or offered to him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh: such things as they had; it being usual, not only with the Persians, but other eastern nations, to make presents to kings and great persons, when they made any addresses to them; which generally, among other things, consisted of gold, spices, myrrh, and the like, see Gen 43:11. Which last passage referred to, being a prophecy of the Messiah, has been thought by some now to have had its accomplishment, together with Isa 60:6 where frankincense as well as gold is mentioned, "they shall bring gold and incense" or frankincense; upon which a noted Jewish writer (d) observes, that gold and frankincense shall be brought privately as a present to the king Messiah. According to the Ethiopians, these wise men were three, whose names they give us; the name of him that offered the gold, was Annoson; he that offered the frankincense, was Allytar; and he that offered the myrrh, Kyssad (e). The Papists call them the three kings of Colen, and say they lie buried in that place. (c) Cyropaedia, l. 8. sect. 23. (d) R. David Kimchi. (e) Ludolph. Lex. Ethiop. p. 539, 542, 543.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:11 The wise men offered extravagant gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the King (see Ps 72:10-17; Isa 60). The tradition that there were three wise men originated from the number of gifts, but the text does not specify how many wise men there were.
Matthew 2:11
The Pilgrimage of the Magi
10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight.11On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Gift Our Lord Brought to the World - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer2.9K38:58Free GiftMAT 2:11MAT 6:33MAT 20:28JHN 3:16ACT 20:35In this sermon, the preacher discusses the gifts that the world gave to the Lord. He references three texts from the Bible to support his points. The first text highlights how the Father gave His Son, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of this gift. The second text emphasizes how the Son gave His life as a ransom for many. The third text encourages believers to support the weak and reminds them that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The preacher then urges the audience to consider what they should give to the Lord and briefly mentions the enemies of Jesus, but focuses on the glory and light that shines from His face. The sermon concludes with a call to give our hearts to the Lord and a reminder that the message is intended for mature believers.
The Birth of the Infant Lord
By A.W. Tozer2.8K31:42IncarnationJER 31:15MAT 2:1MAT 2:11MAT 2:13MAT 2:16MAT 2:18LUK 2:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the three disasters that have engulfed the human race: total, moral, and spiritual disaster. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the coming of our Savior as a rescue mission for mankind. The preacher also highlights the role of Satan as the destroyer and the need for judgment and justice. He then delves into the events described in the chapter, focusing on ten individuals or groups, including Jesus, Mary, the wise men, Herod, the people of Jerusalem, the soldiers, Joseph, the slaughtered innocents, and Rachel weeping for her children. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the significance of Christmas and the need to not be blinded by the joys of fellowship, but to recognize the stealth, deception, and sorrow that accompanied the coming of Christ.
What Is Worship
By Hans Peter Royer1.7K38:11GEN 22:1PSA 139:13MAT 2:11MAT 6:33LUK 7:36In this sermon, the speaker highlights the incredible complexity and beauty of human life, emphasizing that each person is a miracle. The speaker references the virtualized egg and the vast amount of information contained in our DNA to illustrate this point. The sermon also mentions Mother Teresa's perspective on seeing the face of Jesus in every person, and C.S. Lewis' concept of different types of love. The speaker concludes by discussing a woman who showed deep appreciation and thankfulness towards Jesus, demonstrating the highest form of love, which is worship.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Woman at the Well
By Willie Mullan1.4K57:01Footsteps Of ChristMAT 2:11MAT 9:18MAT 14:30MAT 14:33JHN 4:28JHN 4:42ACT 20:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of doing God's will and not going against His word. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Peter walking on water and the disciples recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, to illustrate the urgency of the task of spreading the Gospel. The preacher also highlights the need for believers to have a deep concern for the souls of others, especially their own family members who may not know Christ. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting how Jesus patiently and graciously drew her to Himself.
Behold 05-Virgin Shall Concieve
By Neil Dougal99244:45EXO 2:8ISA 7:14MAT 1:23MAT 2:11MAT 6:33JHN 19:36In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the four chains that should be present in our understanding of God's grace. He highlights the significance of the virgin birth of Jesus and how it is being attacked by certain liberal elements in the Roman Catholic hierarchy. The preacher warns against allowing the reasoning or philosophy of men to change our belief in this vital doctrine. He also mentions the inclusion of four women in the genealogy of Christ, emphasizing how God's grace and righteousness are demonstrated even in their presence. The sermon references various scriptures, including Isaiah 7:14 and the Gospel of Matthew, to support these teachings.
Sunday Night Meditations 26 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler40530:49ISA 7:14ISA 9:6MAT 2:11LUK 2:10ROM 12:1In this video sermon, the speaker begins by greeting the audience and emphasizing the significance of the Christmas season. They highlight the greatest gift that God sent to earth, His only begotten Son, who was born in Bethlehem. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus came to fulfill the Father's will and bring joy to the world through salvation. They explain that Jesus, being fully God and fully human, took on a body through the virgin birth in order to suffer, bleed, and die for the sins of humanity. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus as the Word, who came to proclaim the knowledge of God. They contrast the limited understanding of the world with the true meaning of Christ's coming.
Do You Love Me?
By J.C. Ryle2MAT 2:11MAT 7:24JHN 14:22CO 5:12TI 2:20The preacher delves into the significance of 'oikia' (house) in the Bible, highlighting its various meanings such as one's residence, the place of Jesus' birth, and a figure of speech for the human body. 'Oikia' is used to describe the believer's future home in our Father's house and the Church as the body of Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of cleansing oneself to become a vessel for honor, separating from false teachings and defilement to be useful for God's purposes.
Christmas Is Jesus (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh)
By Colin Peckham0MAT 2:11MRK 8:341CO 6:19PHP 3:8HEB 13:15Colin Peckham preaches on the significance of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh presented to Jesus at His birth, emphasizing the act of giving during Christmas as a reflection of God giving His Son for the salvation of mankind. Gold symbolizes offering our wealth and possessions to our King, recognizing that we belong to Him and should yield what we have to Him. Frankincense represents worship and adoration towards Jesus, the baby King, while myrrh signifies the willingness to endure suffering for His sake, including sacrificial living, selfless involvement in spreading the gospel, and offering something that costs us.
Christmas Is Jesus (Christ and You )
By Colin Peckham0ISA 9:6MAT 2:2MAT 2:11LUK 2:7Colin Peckham preaches on the prophecy of Isaiah about the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the overwhelming joy in heaven at His coming contrasted with the indifference, rejection, and even hostility He faced on earth. Many ignored, rejected, or even sought to harm Jesus due to lack of room in their hearts for Him. However, the sermon calls for a different response - to worship Him like the shepherds and wise men did, acknowledging Jesus as the King of our lives and offering Him the treasures of our hearts.
Prove What Is That Good, and Acceptable, and Perfect, Will of God
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 104:4MAT 2:11JHN 9:38HEB 1:6REV 4:10Wayne Barber delves into the meaning of worship, emphasizing the significance of proskuneo, which involves prostrating oneself in homage before God. He explores the profound awe and respect associated with worship, highlighting how proskuneo represents adoration and reverence. Barber discusses the command to worship effectively and fully, drawing from biblical examples of angels and individuals prostrating themselves before God. He also contrasts the worship of God with the worship of false idols, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus as worthy of worship.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Christmas Is Jesus (More Than Festivities)
By Colin Peckham0MAT 2:11LUK 2:13JHN 1:14GAL 4:42PE 1:4Colin Peckham emphasizes that Christmas transcends the materialistic and festive aspects, urging believers to focus on the profound mystery of the incarnation - God becoming flesh in the form of a child. He highlights the theological significance of Jesus' birth, emphasizing that through His humanity, believers can partake in His divine nature. The sermon underscores that Christmas is a time for worship, echoing the angelic choirs and wise men who glorified God at the birth of Jesus, inviting believers to join in adoration and praise.
Open Your Treasures and Give
By Mary Wilder Tileston0MAT 2:11MRK 12:41ROM 12:12CO 9:7PHP 4:18Mary Wilder Tileston, inspired by the story of the wise men presenting gifts to Jesus, encourages believers to give themselves anew to God's service. She emphasizes that God will provide the desire and power to offer various treasures to Him, whether it be wealth, time, personal service, or even life itself. Tileston highlights that everyone has something to give, from the tears of the penitent to the riches of the wealthy, as long as the vision of Christ is in their hearts. Ultimately, she stresses that all gifts, regardless of size or value, are welcomed by God when given with love and for His glory.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And when they were come into the house--not the stable; for as soon as Bethlehem was emptied of its strangers, they would have no difficulty in finding a dwelling-house. they saw--The received text has "found"; but here our translators rightly depart from it, for it has no authority. the young child with Mary his mother--The blessed Babe is naturally mentioned first, then the mother; but Joseph, though doubtless present, is not noticed, as being but the head of the house. and fell down and worshipped him--Clearly this was no civil homage to a petty Jewish king, whom these star-guided strangers came so far, and inquired so eagerly, and rejoiced with such exceeding joy, to pay, but a lofty spiritual homage. The next clause confirms this. and when they had opened their treasures they presented--rather, "offered." unto him gifts--This expression, used frequently in the Old Testament of the oblations presented to God, is in the New Testament employed seven times, and always in a religious sense of offerings to God. Beyond doubt, therefore, we are to understand the presentation of these gifts by the Magi as a religious offering. gold, frankincense, and myrrh--Visits were seldom paid to sovereigns without a present (Kg1 10:2, &c.; compare Psa 72:10-11, Psa 72:15; Isa 60:3, Isa 60:6). "Frankincense" was an aromatic used in sacrificial offerings: "myrrh" was used in perfuming ointments. These, with the "gold" which they presented, seem to show that the offerers were persons in affluent circumstances. That the gold was presented to the infant King in token of His royalty; the frankincense in token of His divinity, and the myrrh, of His sufferings; or that they were designed to express His divine and human natures; or that the prophetical, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ are to be seen in these gifts; or that they were the offerings of three individuals respectively, each of them kings, the very names of whom tradition has handed down--all these are, at the best, precarious suppositions. But that the feelings of these devout givers are to be seen in the richness of their gifts, and that the gold, at least, would be highly serviceable to the parents of the blessed Babe in their unexpected journey to Egypt and stay there--that much at least admits of no dispute.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when they were come into the house,.... Which they entered without making any inquiry, being fully assured by the star's standing right over it, that this was the house, and here was the king of the Jews, whom they were come to worship; and having entered in "they saw" some copies read they found the young child, with Mary his mother; in her lap, or arms, or in the house with her, for by this time he might go alone. Joseph perhaps was not at home, but about his business; and which might be so ordered by the providence of God, that so these men might only see the mother of Christ, who had no real father as man; who had they seen Joseph, might have took him to be his proper father. Upon the sight of the young child, they fell down on their knees or faces to the ground, agreeably to the custom of their country, and worshipped him as a king; giving him the same civil honour and respect, as they were wont to do to their own kings and princes; which custom began with Cyrus: for so Xenophon (c) says, that "when the people saw him, , they all worshipped him; either because some were ordered to begin this custom; or else being amazed at the apparatus; or because he seemed to appear so great and beautiful; for before that time none of the Persians worshipped Cyrus.'' And when they had opened their treasures, that is, their purses, bags or boxes, in which they put those things they brought with them necessary for their journey; they presented, or offered to him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh: such things as they had; it being usual, not only with the Persians, but other eastern nations, to make presents to kings and great persons, when they made any addresses to them; which generally, among other things, consisted of gold, spices, myrrh, and the like, see Gen 43:11. Which last passage referred to, being a prophecy of the Messiah, has been thought by some now to have had its accomplishment, together with Isa 60:6 where frankincense as well as gold is mentioned, "they shall bring gold and incense" or frankincense; upon which a noted Jewish writer (d) observes, that gold and frankincense shall be brought privately as a present to the king Messiah. According to the Ethiopians, these wise men were three, whose names they give us; the name of him that offered the gold, was Annoson; he that offered the frankincense, was Allytar; and he that offered the myrrh, Kyssad (e). The Papists call them the three kings of Colen, and say they lie buried in that place. (c) Cyropaedia, l. 8. sect. 23. (d) R. David Kimchi. (e) Ludolph. Lex. Ethiop. p. 539, 542, 543.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:11 The wise men offered extravagant gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the King (see Ps 72:10-17; Isa 60). The tradition that there were three wise men originated from the number of gifts, but the text does not specify how many wise men there were.