TRUE JOY-HUMBLE GIVING

True Joy Through Humble Giving

In a season saturated with expectations of receiving, the Bible reveals to us the greatest gift ever given and an attitude worthy of imitation.  Matthew 2:2 “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worshipHhim.” The Magi did not come for entertainment, blessing, or personal gain; they came to worship and to give. This is the essence of true joy. A heart that recognizes the King of kings, seeks Him with determination, and offers the best of what God has entrusted to us is truly a heart of Joy. Though not a direct parallel, Luke addresses discipleship and following Christ in his account, thereby complementing Matthew’s focus on recognizing Christ’s kingship.

 First, recognizing Christ’s kingship in Matthew 2:2, we notice that the Magi recognize the true King. The Bible describes them as men of learning and influence, and note how they seek a singular and sovereign King: “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Matt 2:2). They acknowledge the Kingship, Worthiness, and Uniqueness of Jesus. If Jesus is merely a teacher, we may respect Him; if simply a healer, we may admire Him. But if He is King, we must bow and give all. Worship, in Matthew’s account, is not a display of emotion alone but humble submission to the rightful King. Luke, in his account (Luke 9:23), parallels this call to discipleship; however, here Matthew focuses on recognizing His lordship.

 Second, the Magi pursue Jesus with determination. Their journey, likely months long, is costly and dangerous. Yet “when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matt 2:10). True worship is not convenient; it is devoted. A heart that worships endures the road, lifts its eyes, and presses forward. Gratitude does not content itself with passive sentiment; it compels discipline, assembly, service, and sacrifice. Why? Because Christ reigns worthy over every circumstance (Rom 12:1).

Third, the Magi offer their best to Christ, and rightly so. “They saw the young Child… and fell down, and worshipped Him: and… presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matt 2:11). They model for us a divine pattern of worship preceding an offering. The gifts symbolize His kingship (gold), deity (frankincense), and sacrifice (myrrh). Our response should mirror this pattern: worship first, then offering. The Lord does not demand only a monetary gift, like the gold given by the Magi, but He instead requires a heart of repentance and praise, as well as a living body of obedience, and service (Mark 12:30; Acts 17:30; Heb 13:15; Rom 12:1; John 14:15; Matt 25:40). If worship costs us nothing, we should prayerfully examine whether we’ve truly embraced the Magi’s example of costly devotion. Authentic worship “produces” action even if it is simply bowing, praising, and giving an offering, all of which is rooted in the recognition of Christ’s kingship and worth (Matthew 2:2, 11). Though not everything we do is worship, worship indeed extends beyond the worship service; it is a life that ever bows before the Lord (Rom 12:1). Christ’s own sacrifice invites us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Rom 12:1). A heart that worships Him seeks Him, honors Him, submits to Him, and joyfully offers to Him.

 In a world chasing fleeting gifts, let us imitate the Magi. Let us worship the King, honor Him, and offer our hearts in repentance, praise, and sacrifice to the One who alone is worthy. Will you offer yourself to the King?

~ Casey Clement