[Pastor Ralph]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

[Sherylle Ladner]

Even though Jesus was still a child, the Magi still recognized that they were presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. According to history, where a foreign dignitaries would appear before a great king, they would birng gifts as a sign of obeisance and honor. By doing this, the Magi recongized that Jesus was/is a "king."

The gift:

Gold--was the most precious and valued metal know. It was highly prized. This was used to reflect that Jesus was/is king.
Frankincense--is derived from three species which grows in southern Arabia, India, and elsewhere. The gum has a bitter flavor and a strong balsamic order when heated. The Israelties used it in worship in the Holy Pace of the tabernacle and temple. This was used to reflect that Jesus came to endure suffering as a man.
Myrrh--is valuable as a perfume and a consitutent of sacred anointing oil. It was also used by Egypians in embalming. This was used to reflect Jesus humanity and later his death.

Each Magi knew who Jesus is and they provided it through their gifts.

Jesus just wants us to bring our hearts to Him. He came to earth as a baby, he grow up to be man, But he died to save us--He was us to know that he loves us.

[Elwood C O'Dell]

The Magi bring gifts because of who He is, the King of all kings. The attitude of their heart is seen in their desire to give to him the best of that which they possessed. The most important gift that we have to bring to Christ is that of our self. The giving of ourselves to him would include all that we possess as far as time, talent and treasure.

[sjb]

Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child?

The Christ -child, even as a baby in human form, was one of the Trinity. It was clearly appropriate for the Magi to bring Him gifts as a form of worship and adoration.

How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude?

Just like Abel, you know that the Magi gave their very best. That is what God expects.


What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

Each of us has one or more special gifts which we should develop and devote solely to God. I saw a TV segment the other day where Rick Warren was being interviewed. He said that most of us have gifts that we don't recognize--that it takes someone else looking on to recognize our gifts. I know I have struggled all my life with trying to recognize what I should bring to the throne-- and have absolutely suffered from "gift envy." It seems like I can see everyone else's gift but my own. I've even accused God of skipping me. Maybe it's because of that envy again. I hear one friend singing like an angel, I see another friend who has so much compassion for the sick...the list goes on and on.

[Roxanne]

[quote name='Pastor Ralph' date='Oct 10 2007, 10:36 AM' post='30099']
Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

ANYTHING TO HONOR HIM BECAUSE HE IS THE KING..THINGS THAT SHOW ADORATION

THEY GIVE THE GIFTS THAT ARE FIT FOR A KING

WE ARE SUPPOSE TO GIVE HIM OUR ALL..MIND BODY AND SOUL.

[Shaz6]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

It was appropriate for them to bring gifts because it was a sign of honor and respect. Their heart attitude was one of being open to what they were going to see and respect and awe. We are to bring anything that God has given us as a gift before Jesus and ourselves because if we give our lives to God that is one of the best offerings that we could make.

[JustJeff]

The Magi brought gifts to honor the King of Kings, the child of God who would become the ruler of all the world. They knew this child to be thus and when you think about it, all three items were necessary elements of the temple and the appointments that Yahweh ordered; fragrant incense, annointing oil and gold to cover the adornments.
These gifts, from the heart, are what we must bring to the Lord. The best that we have, from our hearts, us. Merry Christmas everyone!

[Craig]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

It was appropriate to bring the Christ-child gifts because Jesus was royalty. Their gifts reflected gifts that you would give to royalty upon a royal visit. Appropriate gifts were of the kind that the Magi brought: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

[Dar]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child?

The Magi came prepared! They are going before a King!

How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude?

A heart attitude of "love" of "gratitude" of "honor"

What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

A heart attitude of "love" of "gratitude" of "honor" to The King!

Yet these still arn't enough! Is there room in my heart to hold all the treasures our King deserves? I guess I will have to give Him - "me"- all of me. I know He will take my gift and refine it, smooth out the rough edges, and make it shine, make it to be of great value, a great treasure indeed; YES, I will give Him "me" - now I see, that is why He came. This King, God's most precious Gift has been given to mankind! There are no other gifts that God desires from us, but for us to present ourselves to Him, presenting a heart of "love" of "Gratitude" of "honor" for giving to us The King, Christ Jesus the Lord.

[emmaus]

It was appropriate for them to pay homage to the new born king, to acknowledge and honor him as king.

The lavishness of the wise men's gifts reflected what was in their hearts by bringing the best that they could afford from their position in life and from their country.

We should bring ourselves to the Lord. We should give him the best of our time, energy, effort, devotion and love. I like the legend of the little girl who only had weeds to give to Jesus and when she did they turned into a poinsettia. When we give to Jesus sincerely, he will make it beautiful.

[les]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

the prophecy in micah 5:2-4 stated Jesus's divinity and pointed to His mellinnial kingdom.the magi understood the importance of this KING so they sought Him out and came with the most precious gifts they had (their treasures) if we give what is most precious it means we withold nothing, they totally sought to honor HIM. Jesus gave everything to save us we owe Him everything we have our talents our resources our time here on earth ,our very lives in fact!!!! by creating us and in ransoming us He is our rightful owner so it is due Him . the love He showed we can't even begin to appreciate while we live on this earth but it is extravagant, perfect and demands reciprocation.

[Lisa Rupert]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?
In those times it was a tradition for gifts to be brought to the King, one would never visit a King without presenting gifts to him. So the Magi knew they were going to visit a King and they brought him gifts according to tradition. They not only brought gifts but they brought the finest of gifts as you would bring to a King. The kinds of gifts we can bring are our worship and praises, our faithfulness, our mindfulness, as humble obedient children who demonstrate our love for our King.

[AngelOnLine]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child?
It was appropriate for foreign dignitaries to bring expensive gifts for the King.

How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude?
They wanted to give the best that they had as a sign of respect, love, and honor.

What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?
We should be humble, and bring to Him the best that we can be.

[mags]

It was appropriate for the wise men to bring gifts for a child as it was a sign of respect and honour. The Lord placed it on the hearts of the Magi to bring the gifts and they did so. This would have been a huge blessing for Mary and Joseph (who had so little).

The extravagance of their gifts reflects the best they had. God doesn't want us to fight and struggle to bring Him the best of the world. He requires the heart attitude that makes us want to give Him our best (including our gifts and talents). The Magi gave Christ the best they could, they first offered themselves (falling prostrate to worship) and then offered the best they could at that time.

God doesn't require us to bring certain things but to offer Him our best. In this day and age one of the best things we can offer is our time - to Him and His service!

[Patricia A]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b)



· Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child?



The Magi brought gifts to the Christ-child as an expression of their submission to Him as their Lord. In their times, this was appropriate to do when one showed their respect and acceptance to one as in authority.

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· How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude?



The gifts were extravagance in their days and this was the custom to show that in their hearts, they worshiped Him and desired to show their acceptance of Him as their Lord. They felt this acceptance and submission in their hearts and the gifts were the outward expression of this heart attitude.

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· What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?



As we respond to the attitude and feeling in our hearts of submission to Jesus as our Lord, we best do this by glorify Him in worship, word and deed. We speak His name only in reverence, we meet with Him often in prayer and we live our lives according to the way which he taught us to do.

[katef]

Always bring gifts to the king, show honor and respect. The gift should be reflective of your worth or ablilty, the best that we have.

[love.serve.know]

It was appropriate for the Magi to bring gifts because Christ is the King - the creator of the universe. He is Lord.

We can see that their hearts were tender toward Christ because they gave the very best gifts which were reserved for royalty.

I love the Lord with all my heart and my gift that reflects that love should by myself - to do whatever He asks me to do - what He desires. His will for my life should be my will for my life.

[UncleBlake]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

It was appropriate for the Magi to bring gifts to baby Jesus because they knew Him to be a King born to Israel. Altho they may or may not have known the entire significance of that, it was custom to bring gifts of this nature, the finest of what they have, to a King to honour him. They were doing what was considered customary. Again, it is not known if the Magi completely understood the significance of what they were doing, but they did know this was a King born. The extravagance lavished was appropriate in that it signified thier wish to honour the King with thier best. It is most appropriate for us to bring our total selves to the Christ-Child. That is the best we have. By offering ourselves, we are offering all that we have. God wants a relationship with us, and by giving freely of that, we honour God with what He has given us in the first place.

[Loisb]

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?

1. It was appropriate to present these gifts to show honor to a king.

2. Even though Jesus was a baby, He deserved the honor and these gifts were the best that they had. These gifts were fit for a King.

3. Our time, our worship, our praise, our obediance and our tithes would be our gifts.

[linda bass]

It was appropriate for the magi to bring gifts to the Christ Child because whenever foreign dignitaries would appear before a great king, they would bring gifts as a sign of obeisance and honor.
The extravagance of the Magis' gifts reflect their heart attitude because they wanted to bring the Christ Child the best that they had.
The kinds of gifts that are appropriate for us to bring Our Lord is our worship, our faith, our obedience.