The Significance and Usage of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh for Joseph and Mary

The story of the Magi bringing gifts to baby Jesus, specifically gold, frankincense, and myrrh, has been a significant part of Christian tradition and lore. However, the Bible does not explicitly describe how Joseph and Mary used these gifts. This article delves into the symbolism and potential practical uses of these precious items during that time.

Symbolism of the Gifts

While the Bible does not provide details on how Joseph and Mary utilized the gifts, many scholars and theologians believe the gifts were purely symbolic. The gospel does not elaborate, but it's clear that the items signified different aspects of Jesus' future roles:

Gold: Represents Jesus as the King of Kings, signifying his royalty and divinity. Frankincense: Represents his role as the Great High Priest, emphasizing his spiritual leadership and relationship with God. Myrrh: Symbolizes the sacrificial aspect of his life, hinting at his suffering and death. It also had practical uses such as for healing, embalming, and stopping menstrual bleeding.

Practical Uses of the Gifts

While the gifts were indeed valuable, some Christian scholars believe that Joseph and Mary may have sold them to cover their expenses. For instance, they might have used the proceeds to travel to Egypt as instructed by an angel. There is also a possibility that they used the gifts to pay for food, lodging, and potentially even taxes, especially the gold, during their stay in Egypt.

Scripture does not provide clear guidance on how these gifts were utilized. Some people speculate that Jesus later used the gold to finance his 3-year ministry, but this remains speculation. It is likely that, after selling the gifts, Mary and Joseph had to rely on them to sustain their life and the needs of the infant Jesus during their time in Egypt.

Traditional Reasons and Practical Uses

The traditional reasons for the gifts include:

Gold: For Jesus as the King of Kings, symbolizing his royal and divine nature. Frankincense: For his role as the Great High Priest, representing his spiritual leadership. Myrrh: For his sacrificial role, symbolizing his death and also its practical uses such as for healing and embalming.

These gifts were indeed valuable commodities and had practical uses beyond their symbolic significance. If the story were real, the Magi would have used the items in various ways.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Bible does not provide clear instructions on how Joseph and Mary used the gifts from the Magi, it is likely that they were sold to cover essential expenses such as travel, lodging, and sustenance. The gifts, however, held profound symbolic meaning for the Messiah, emphasizing his royalty, spiritual leadership, and sacrificial nature.