Matthew 2: The Old Testament Connection

Matthew goes to great lengths to connect the story of Jesus Christ with what has come before in the Old Testament.  In addition to beginning his Gospel with a genealogy that spans the story of the Jewish people, he continues to link events in the life of Jesus with Old Testament prophecies.  He lists four of these fulfilled scriptures in his second chapter.

1. "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?"..."And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel." (vs. 6)
2. The flight to Egypt for safety from Herod?  "Out of Egypt I have called my son." (vs. 15)
3. The slaughter of the innocents?  "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more." (vs. 18)
4. Hometown of Galilee?  "He will be called a Nazorean." (vs. 23)

As you read Matthew, keep your eyes open for his citing of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the life of Jesus.  It is a major theme as one of the evangelist's goals seemed to be persuading his fellow Jews to believe that Jesus is their Messiah.