Topical Encyclopedia Incense, a fragrant substance often used in religious rituals and ceremonies, holds significant symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. One of the most notable mentions of incense in the New Testament is its presentation to Jesus Christ by the Wise Men, also known as the Magi, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.Biblical Account The account of the Wise Men visiting the infant Jesus is found in Matthew 2:1-12. These Magi, who came from the East, followed a star that led them to Bethlehem, where they sought the newborn "King of the Jews." Upon finding Jesus, they worshiped Him and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 states: "On 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, frankincense, and myrrh." Symbolism of Incense Frankincense, a type of incense, was a highly valued commodity in the ancient world, often used in worship and as a symbol of prayer rising to the heavens. Its presentation to Jesus by the Wise Men carries deep theological significance. In the Old Testament, incense was a key component of the sacrificial system, used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple as a symbol of the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:34-38; Psalm 141:2). The gift of frankincense to Jesus is often interpreted as a recognition of His divine nature and His role as the High Priest. Hebrews 4:14 refers to Jesus as the "great high priest who has passed through the heavens," emphasizing His mediatory role between God and humanity. The use of incense in the Temple worship prefigures Christ's intercessory work, making the gift of frankincense a prophetic acknowledgment of His future ministry. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, incense was not only a luxury item but also a staple in religious practices. It was imported from regions such as Arabia and India, making it a valuable and exotic gift. The Magi, likely familiar with the prophecies concerning a coming king, chose gifts that were both practical and symbolic. Frankincense, in particular, was associated with deity and worship, underscoring the recognition of Jesus' divine identity. Theological Implications The presentation of incense to Jesus by the Wise Men highlights several key theological themes. First, it affirms the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming Messiah, who would be both King and Priest. Second, it underscores the universal recognition of Jesus' significance, as the Magi were Gentiles who came to worship the Jewish Messiah. This foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan, as seen in passages like Isaiah 60:3 : "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." Furthermore, the gift of frankincense points to the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission. As the aroma of incense was pleasing to God, so too would be the sacrifice of Christ, who offered Himself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2). In summary, the presentation of incense by the Wise Men is a profound moment in the Gospel narrative, rich with symbolic meaning and theological depth. It serves as a testament to the recognition of Jesus' divine identity and His role in God's redemptive plan for humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 2:11And 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 to him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Feast of the Epiphany, iv. The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ... Christ's Priestly Office The First-Fruits of the Gentiles The Passover visit A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ... Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty Recommendation. A Word in the Prayer. Christ and his Captors Resources Who was King Uzziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple / tabernacle? | GotQuestions.org Incense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Incense for God's Service Mixed With Sweet Spices Incense of an Acceptable Sacrifice Incense used in Idolatrous Worship Incense: An Article of Extensive Commerce Incense: Common, not to be offered to God Incense: Compounded by Bezaleel Incense: Designed for Atonement Incense: Formula for Compounding Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Incense: Levites had Charge of Incense: Nadab and Abihu Destroyed for offering, With Strange Fire Incense: None But Priest to offer Incense: Offered by Nadab and Abihu in an Unauthorized Manner Incense: Offered by the High Priest in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Incense: Offered in Idolatrous Worship Incense: Offered Morning and Evening Incense: Offered with Fire from off the Altar of Burnt offering Incense: Offered: Morning and Evening Incense: Offered: On the Altar of Gold Incense: Offering of, Allotted to the Priests Incense: Presented by the Wise Men to Jesus Incense: Presented to Christ by the Wise Men Incense: Put on Meat offerings Incense: Symbolical of the Prayers of Saints Incense: The Jews Prayed at Time of offering Incense: The Jews: Not Accepted in offering, on Account of Sin Incense: The Jews: Offered, to Idols on Altars of Brick Incense: The Jews: Punished for offering, to Idols Incense: Uzziah Punished for offering Related Terms Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
    |