7 symbolic details about Jesus’ birth
5. The gifts of the Magi: A portrait of who Jesus is
The gifts brought by the Magi (Matthew 2:11) were also rich in meaning, each pointing to a different aspect of Jesus’ identity and mission.
Gold, a gift fit for royalty, acknowledged Jesus as King — not only of Israel, but of all creation (Matthew 2:2; Luke 1:32-33; Revelation 19:16; Colossians 1:15-17).
Frankincense, used in worship and priestly rituals, pointed to Jesus’ priesthood (Exodus 30:34-38; Leviticus 2:1-2). In the Old Testament, priests acted as mediators between God and humanity, and Jesus would become the ultimate High Priest — the true bridge between Heaven and Earth (Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 7:24-27).
The final gift, myrrh, was used in burial preparations, quietly foreshadowing Jesus’ suffering and death (John 19:39-40). Even at His birth, the shadow of the cross was present — yet so was the promise of resurrection.
Taken together, the gifts proclaim Jesus as King, Priest and Saviour: the One who would reign, intercede, suffer and ultimately redeem the world (Luke 2:11; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Hebrews 1:3).
