Day Twenty-one: The third Wise Man and his servant

 

Like the other wise men, this one, bringing frankincense, is clearly modelled on his father’s depiction. One tradition about the wise men suggested they originated in each of the three known continents of the world at the time, one from Europe, one from Asia, and one from Africa, as this one is. They represent the whole world coming to Jesus.

This rather elegant, white-clad young man brings his offering in a container shaped like a boat (below). Incense used in church services is still stored in what is called an “incense boat” and usually is boat shaped, though not as elaborate as this gift.

 

Incense is used in prayer by many religious traditions. Its smoke rises just as the prayers of the faithful do. The gift of frankincense has been interpreted as a symbol of Jesus’ divinity; he is one to whom and through whom prayers are offered.

Both the third Wise Man and his page boy look straight out of the painting at us, the only figures that I can find here who are doing so. They break the “fourth wall” of the painting, and draw us in, as if to invite us to become part of the action.

For Reflection

Jesus said to his disciples “But you, who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16.15

 If you accepted this wise man’s invitation to step into the scene, where would you be, and what would you do? What would you say to Jesus?

The whole picture:

https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/jan-brueghel-the-elder-the-adoration-of-the-kings