What Does Matthew 2:11 Mean?
Matthew 2:11 describes the moment when the wise men enter the house, see the young Jesus with Mary, and immediately fall down to Worship Him. They open their treasures and present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh - each gift carrying deep meaning about who Jesus is. This act of worship shows that Jesus is both a king and the promised Savior, worthy of honor and praise.
Matthew 2:11
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.
Key Facts
Book
Author
Matthew
Genre
Gospel
Date
circa 80-90 AD (writing); circa 6-4 BC (event)
Key People
Key Themes
Key Takeaways
- The wise men worshipped Jesus as King, God, and Savior.
- Gifts of gold, frankincense, myrrh reveal Christ’s identity and mission.
- Gentiles first to worship show salvation is for all nations.
The Visit of the Wise Men in Matthew 2:11
After following a star and arriving in Bethlehem, the wise men finally meet the child Jesus, and their response sets a powerful example for all who encounter Him.
They entered the house, saw the child with Mary, and bowed down to worship Him, indicating worship reserved for God rather than merely respect for a king. Then, opening their treasures, they gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, each symbolizing something special about His identity and mission.
This moment marks the first time Gentiles - non-Jewish people - worship Jesus, showing that His Salvation is for everyone, not limited to one nation.
The Meaning Behind the Gifts: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
The wise men's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were more than royal presents - they carried deep meaning rooted in ancient culture and Scripture, revealing Jesus' identity in surprising ways.
Gold, a gift fit for kings, acknowledged Jesus as the true King of the Jews, not merely in title but by divine right - something even Herod feared but could not claim. Frankincense, a fragrant resin used in the temple to honor God, pointed to Jesus’ divine nature and His role as the one through whom people could come to God. Myrrh, an aromatic oil used in burial preparations, quietly foreshadowed His death and sacrifice, showing that His mission included suffering and redemption.
This act of giving meaningful gifts echoes Old Testament patterns, like when kings brought tribute to Zion (Psalm 72:10-11), but here it’s Gentiles - foreigners - who recognize what Israel’s leaders missed. Their worship and symbolic gifts highlight a turning point: God’s Promise is now unfolding for all nations, not limited to one people.
These weren't just expensive gifts - they were signs pointing to who Jesus truly is: King, God, and Savior.
The next part of the story shows how this moment of worship stands in sharp contrast to Herod’s fear and violence - a reminder that Jesus’ coming demands a response, whether in faith or fear.
The Universal Call to Worship Jesus
The wise men's act of worship in Matthew 2:11 shows that Jesus is not merely a Jewish king, but the Savior for all people - Gentiles included - fulfilling God’s promise to bless every nation through Him.
This moment highlights a key theme in Matthew’s Gospel: God’s plan was always for people from every corner of the earth to come and worship His Son (Matthew 28:19).
When the wise men responded with awe and gave their best to Jesus, we are also called to worship Him out of wonder at who He is, not merely out of duty.
Fulfilling Prophecy: The Wise Men and the Promised King of All Nations
The visit of the wise men is more than a surprising twist in Jesus’ birth story; it fulfills ancient promises that kings from beyond Israel would one day come to worship the Messiah.
Psalm 72:10-11 says, 'May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him.' Likewise, Isaiah 60:6 declares, 'All those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.' These prophecies envisioned a day when the glory of God would draw Gentile nations to Jerusalem in worship - and now, through Jesus, that day has dawned.
The wise men’s journey and gifts weren’t just a beautiful story - they were the beginning of a promise made long ago: that all nations would one day worship the true King.
This moment marks the start of God’s promise to bless every nation through Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 12:3), showing that Jesus is not only the King of the Jews but the Savior for the whole world.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
Imagine spending years chasing success, approval, or comfort, only to realize one day that none of it truly satisfies. That’s how it felt when I finally understood the wise men’s visit as more than a Christmas story; it served as a mirror. They traveled far, gave their best, and worshiped a baby - not because He had power or fame, but because they recognized who He really was. That hit me: I’d been treating God like a backup plan, offering Him the leftovers of my time and energy. But Matthew 2:11 shows that Jesus deserves our first and finest, not our scraps. When we truly see Him as King, God, and Savior - the one who came to die for us - everything shifts. Worship is more than singing on Sundays. It is living with bowed hearts, offering daily choices, hopes, and even pain as acts of love to the One who gave everything for us.
Personal Reflection
- Where am I holding back my 'treasures' - my time, money, or talents - from fully honoring Jesus?
- What does genuine worship look like in my life this week, beyond merely going through the motions?
- How can I respond to Jesus as more than a teacher or helper, recognizing Him as the King worthy of my full surrender?
A Challenge For You
This week, choose one thing you value - your time, a possession, or a personal goal - and intentionally offer it to Jesus as an act of worship. Start by setting aside 10 minutes each day to thank Him for who He is, not merely for what He has done.
A Prayer of Response
Jesus, I see You in that humble house, a child, yet worthy of all glory. Forgive me for treating You like an afterthought. You are my King, my God, and my Savior. I worship You today, not merely with words, but with my life. Take my heart, my time, and everything I have. Let my life be a gift laid at Your feet, like the wise men did.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Matthew 2:9-10
The star guides the wise men to Jesus, leading directly to their worship in Matthew 2:11.
Matthew 2:12
The wise men’s divine warning contrasts with Herod’s hostility, showing true response to Christ is obedience through worship.
Connections Across Scripture
Isaiah 60:6
Prophesies Gentile nations bringing gold and frankincense to Zion, fulfilled in the wise men’s gifts to Jesus.
Psalm 72:10-11
Predicts kings of the earth worshipping the Davidic king, pointing forward to Jesus’ universal kingship.
Revelation 21:24
Nations walk by the light of God’s Lamb, showing eternal worship by all peoples, rooted in moments like Matthew 2:11.