The Profound Significance of Myrrh in Christ's Journey
Summary
In the narrative shared, the focus is on the profound significance of the gifts brought by the Magi to Jesus, particularly the gift of myrrh. The narrative begins by setting the scene of the Magi's visit, clarifying common misconceptions about the Christmas story. Contrary to popular belief, the number of Magi is not specified, and they visited Jesus in a house, not a stable, indicating that some time had passed since his birth.
The gift of myrrh, often overlooked or misunderstood, holds deep symbolic meaning. Myrrh is a resin obtained from tree sap and was used in ancient times for various purposes, including as an incense, a perfume, and for its antiseptic properties. It was also associated with death, as it was used to embalm bodies due to its strong aroma that could mask the smell of decay.
The narrative delves into the historical and biblical context of myrrh, highlighting its mention in several key biblical passages. For instance, myrrh is first mentioned in the story of Joseph in Genesis, where it is part of a caravan's cargo. Later, it is presented as a gift to gain favor with Joseph, who by then had risen to power in Egypt. In Exodus, myrrh is included in the recipe for the sacred anointing oil, used to consecrate the high priest and the Tabernacle's instruments, setting them apart as holy.
The significance of myrrh in the context of Jesus' life and death is further explored through the prophecies of Isaiah, which foretell the coming of a suffering servant who would bear the iniquities of humanity. This servant would be oppressed and afflicted, yet would not speak out against the injustices he faced. The narrative draws parallels between the prophesied suffering servant and Jesus, who was anointed with myrrh, symbolizing his role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
The narrative also recounts the story of Nicodemus, who brought a substantial amount of myrrh to anoint Jesus' body after his crucifixion, highlighting the costly nature of this act of devotion. The use of myrrh in this context underscores the belief that Jesus was the Lamb of God, born to die to atone for the sins of the world.
The narrative concludes with a reflection on the implications of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. It emphasizes that Jesus' mission was not to provide temporal happiness or an easy life but to serve as a model of self-sacrifice and to call his followers to take up their own crosses. The story of the Passover is revisited, drawing a connection between the blood of the lamb on the doorposts in Egypt and the crucifixion of Jesus, whose death and resurrection fulfilled the foreshadowing of redemption found throughout scripture.
Key Takeaways:
- Myrrh, a humble resin with antiseptic properties, was used historically to anoint and set apart objects and people as holy. Its inclusion in the sacred anointing oil in Exodus signifies the consecration of the high priest and the instruments of worship, symbolizing the sanctification process that separates the sacred from the profane. [41:19]
- The gift of myrrh to Jesus by the Magi is a profound acknowledgment of his identity as the suffering servant prophesied by Isaiah. This gift foreshadows Jesus' sacrificial death, serving as a poignant reminder of the cost of redemption and the depth of love demonstrated through his willingness to bear the sins of humanity. [46:05]
- The narrative of Nicodemus anointing Jesus' body with myrrh after the crucifixion is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. Nicodemus' generous act reflects a deep understanding of Jesus' mission and the significance of his death, which would later be magnified by the resurrection. [49:58]
- The use of myrrh in biblical times to mask the odor of death speaks to the spiritual reality of sin and its stench before a holy God. Jesus' anointing with myrrh and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross reveal the lengths to which God went to cover the sins of humanity and restore the relationship between the divine and the fallen. [48:47]
- The call to take up one's cross, as Jesus instructed his disciples, is not a call to a life of ease but to a life of self-denial and service. This message challenges followers to embrace the path of suffering for the sake of righteousness, mirroring the example set by Jesus, the anointed one who laid down his life for others. [01:05:27]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 2:10-11 - "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh."
2. Isaiah 53:6-7 - "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth."
3. John 19:39-40 - "Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the three gifts brought by the Magi to Jesus, and what is their significance? ([33:11])
2. How does the use of myrrh in ancient times relate to its symbolic meaning in the context of Jesus' life and death? ([35:49])
3. What does Isaiah 53:6-7 tell us about the nature of the suffering servant? How does this passage connect to the gift of myrrh? ([54:46])
4. What was the significance of Nicodemus bringing seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes to anoint Jesus' body? ([49:58])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Magi's gift of myrrh is often overlooked or misunderstood in the Christmas story? ([35:49])
2. How does the historical use of myrrh as an antiseptic and embalming agent deepen our understanding of Jesus' role as the suffering servant? ([46:40])
3. In what ways does Isaiah 53:6-7 foreshadow the sacrificial death of Jesus, and how does this prophecy enhance our appreciation of the gift of myrrh? ([54:46])
4. What does Nicodemus' act of bringing a substantial amount of myrrh to anoint Jesus' body reveal about his understanding of Jesus' mission and significance? ([49:58])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the symbolic meaning of myrrh as it relates to Jesus' sacrificial death. How does this deepen your understanding of the cost of redemption? ([46:05])
2. The sermon mentioned that Jesus' mission was not to provide temporal happiness but to call his followers to take up their own crosses. How can you embrace this call to self-denial and service in your daily life? ([01:05:27])
3. Considering the historical use of myrrh to mask the odor of death, how does this symbolism speak to the spiritual reality of sin in your life? What steps can you take to address this? ([48:47])
4. Nicodemus' generous act of anointing Jesus' body with myrrh reflects a deep understanding of Jesus' mission. How can you demonstrate a similar level of devotion and understanding in your own faith journey? ([49:58])
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing Jesus as the suffering servant prophesied by Isaiah. How does this recognition impact your view of Jesus and your relationship with Him? ([46:05])
6. Reflect on the connection between the Passover lamb and Jesus' crucifixion. How does this foreshadowing of redemption influence your understanding of the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection? ([53:21])
7. The call to take up one's cross is a challenging message. What specific actions can you take this week to live out this call in your interactions with others and in your personal spiritual practices? ([01:05:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Sanctification Through Myrrh's Essence
Myrrh's use in anointing signifies a divine separation, marking the sacred amidst the secular. This humble resin, once used to consecrate priests and worship instruments, symbolizes the sanctification process, inviting reflection on what it means to be set apart for God's purposes. [41:19]
Exodus 30:22-25 - "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.'"
Reflection: In what ways are you living a life that is set apart and consecrated for God's purposes?
Day 2: The Prophetic Gift of Suffering
The Magi's gift of myrrh to Jesus foreshadows his role as the suffering servant, a poignant symbol of the sacrifice he would make for humanity's redemption. This gift reflects a deep understanding of Jesus' mission and the profound cost of salvation. [46:05]
Isaiah 53:5 - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus as the suffering servant impact your view of sacrifice and redemption in your own life?
Day 3: Generosity in Devotion
Nicodemus' act of anointing Jesus' body with myrrh represents a transformative devotion, acknowledging the significance of Jesus' death and the hope of resurrection. This costly act of love exemplifies the depth of transformation Jesus' followers are called to embody. [49:58]
John 19:39-40 - "He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs."
Reflection: What costly act of devotion could you offer as a symbol of your understanding and appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice?
Day 4: The Aroma of Sacrifice
Myrrh's role in masking the odor of death parallels the spiritual reality of sin's stench and the lengths to which God went to cover humanity's sins through Jesus' sacrifice. This act of divine love restores the relationship between the holy and the fallen. [48:47]
2 Corinthians 2:15-16 - "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?"
Reflection: How can you live as the 'aroma of Christ' in a world that is often filled with the stench of sin?
Day 5: Embracing the Cross of Service
Following Jesus is not a path to comfort but a call to self-denial and service. Taking up one's cross means embracing suffering for righteousness, just as Jesus did, and living a life that reflects his sacrificial love and dedication to God's will. [01:05:27]
Luke 9:23-24 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'"
Reflection: What does taking up your cross look like in your daily life, and how can you more fully embrace this call to self-denial and service?
Quotes
"We've talked about the last couple weeks that we've bundled a few misconceptions into the Christmas story, right? One of those is how many Magi there were that came to see Jesus." [30:13] (Download)
"When the Magi got there, they didn't go to the stable. That's not where Mary and the baby Jesus were at; they were actually in the house." [30:48] (Download)
"Myrrh represents Jesus as the suffering servant or as the Lamb of God, the one who was born to die in order to forgive our sins... the frankincense recognized him as a high priest, the one who could offer the most perfect gift to cover all of our sins." [52:44] (Download)
"so myrrh oil was used to anoint and to set apart anything that was supposed to be holy right it was used for all of the different instruments and articles that were used inside of the temple" [41:19] (Download)
"Nicodemus shows up with a gift of 75 pounds of myrrh and aloe to put on the body of Jesus... 75 lbs was worth somewhere between $150,000 and $200,000... what do you think he thought three days later when Jesus rose from the grave?" [50:45] (Download)
"It was strong enough to cover the smell of a rotting body and because of that, it was thought to make things holy, to make somebody appealing to God as they went into the Afterlife." [48:47] (Download)
"Jesus didn't just say a little simple prayer everything will be bad; he said listen if you want to follow me you have to take up your cross. I came to be a suffering servant but I'm also showing you the way." [01:05:27] (Download)
"Jesus, he would be oppressed, he would be afflicted, he would be treated harshly, yet he would never ever say a word and he would be like a lamb that's led to the slaughter for us." [58:51] (Download)
"In that moment what it was that he carried to the cross, it was our weakness, our transgressions, our mistakes, our iniquities, about to be heaped upon him." [59:33] (Download)
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