* In the OT the king and priest were separate offices.

* In the NT God makes us both king and priest through Christ.

* Vs 11 - The wise men gave gifts, which likely helped this poor couple make the move to Egypt and then down to Nazareth.

* Notice what they were:

* Gold for a KING.

* Frankincense for a PRIEST.

* Myrrh for death (this oil kept dead bodies from stinking).

* Fast forward to Revelation 1:6 and we see that we are king/priests.

* Gold - The KING in us makes the gold so we can sustain ourselves.

* Frankinsence - The PRIEST side of us keeps us in right relationship with God.

* Frankincense was an oil who’s aromatic properties are said to promote feelings of relaxation, peace, and overall wellness.

* It's also thought that frankincense can help support cellular function.

* Myrrh - The foundation for our identity, however, is DEATH!

* We have to die to ourselves if we’re going to see the life that’s inside us manifest itself to the world (like a seed).

* Vs 12 - wise people pay attention to their dreams!

* Vs 13 - God took them the opposite way of where they were supposed to be.

* The king of the Jews doesn’t live in Egypt!!

* Vs 14-15 - Joseph obeyed without question.

* Vs 16 - When God plans for deliverance, Satan plans for destruction.

* Herod wanted to be king alone, but he was also not a full-blooded Jew.

* He was an Idumaean, which was a descendant of Esau.

* This points back to the age-old hostility between two seeds!

* KEY - Your obedience to God’s leading may cost other people.

* Babies died!

* If you’re going to honor God, you need to count the right cost.

* If you focus on what it will cost others in the moment God asks you to do something, you’ll become God to them.

* Vs 17-18 - Matthew reminded them this was all a part of God’s plan.