The Gift You Need the Most- The Gift

Born to Die: The Gift of Myrrh

Scripture References

• Matthew 2:10-11
• Isaiah 53:6
• Luke 9:22-23

Overview

Continuing the series “The Gift,” this message centers on the third present the Magi brought—myrrh. While gold declared Jesus King and frankincense marked Him our High Priest, myrrh foreshadowed His destiny as the suffering Servant who would die for our sins. Walking through Isaiah 53 and Jesus’ own words in Luke 9, the sermon confronts our problem (we stray like sheep), showcases the price Jesus paid (crushed, pierced, abandoned), and calls us to respond by denying ourselves and following Him wholeheartedly.

Context

The pastor re-sets common manger-scene imagery, noting that the Wise Men likely arrived months later at a house, not a stable. He also shares humorous “unusual gifts” his family has received (cat ashes, kitty-litter cake, a framed bong) to contrast them with the Wise Men’s meaningful gifts.

Main Points

1. Myrrh: A Prophetic Gift

• Resin-based perfume used 17 times in Scripture; prized, costly, and most often associated with embalming the dead.
• Given to the Christ-child, it signaled from the start that He was born to die.
• Myrrh therefore represents Jesus as the suffering Servant and sacrificial Lamb of God.

2. Our Problem: “All of Us Like Sheep” (Isaiah 53:6)

• Sheep imagery is intentionally unflattering:
  • Weak – virtually defenseless against attack.
  • Witless – follow one another into danger (illustration: 1,500 Turkish sheep walking off a cliff, 2005).
  • Wayward – wander in search of something “better,” mirroring our tendency to leave God’s path.
• Result: Every person has strayed and carries sin that separates us from God.

3. The Price Jesus Paid (Isaiah 53)

• 700-year-old prophecy details Christ’s suffering with Super-Bowl-score precision:
  • Despised, rejected, oppressed, silent before accusers.
  • Pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins, beaten so we could be whole, whipped so we could be healed.
• Graphic walkthrough of Gethsemane, the flogging, the cross, and the moment the Father turned away as Jesus became sin for us.
  • Illustration: Medical explanation of hematidrosis—capillaries bursting so blood mixes with sweat.
  • Refusal of wine mixed with myrrh shows Jesus’ choice to bear full pain.
• Foreshadowed earlier in Passover: blood of a spotless lamb on doorposts forming a cross-shaped pattern.

4. The Call of Jesus (Luke 9:22-23)

• Jesus predicted His own suffering, death, and resurrection.
• Discipleship terms:

  “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow me.”

• Christianity is not an add-on for comfort; it is whole-life surrender in response to immeasurable grace.

Key Truths

• Myrrh points to the Messiah’s mission: He was born to die for humanity’s sin.
• Like sheep, people are weak, witless, and wayward—incapable of saving themselves.
• Isaiah 53’s detailed prophecy underscores God’s sovereign plan and Jesus’ willing obedience.
• The cross satisfies God’s justice while extending God’s mercy.
• Genuine faith expresses itself in self-denial, cross-bearing, and lifelong devotion to Christ.

Response

• Reflect on the depth of Jesus’ suffering until casual Christianity feels impossible.
• Deny self-centered desires and choose God’s path each day.
• Worship with gratitude, declaring Jesus worthy of all honor.
• Share the good news—the gift of grace is available to everyone.
• Live sacrificially, letting love and obedience mark every action.

Closing

The message ends with extended worship and an invitation to receive the gift of grace. Those burdened by sin are urged to call on the name of Jesus, who alone forgives and makes sinners righteous. One clear prayer of surrender is offered, followed by celebration of new life in Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive all my sins.
Jesus, save me, change me, make me new.
I believe You died for me and rose again so I can live for You.
Fill me with Your Spirit so I can follow You, be faithful to You, and show Your love in all I do.
My life is not my own—I give it all to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Resources

• Life.Church/Next – tools for spiritual growth
• Life.Church/Locations – information on Christmas services