What if the Gospel of Matthew is quietly connecting dots you’ve never noticed before? Jeff explains how the Gospel of Matthew masterfully recapitulates Israel’s story and reveals that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God's promises and the prophecies of the Old Testament. 

Shownotes

Key Themes

• Christocentric Scripture: All of Scripture—Old and New Testament—finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
• Why the Old Testament Matters: Understanding Jesus’ mission requires knowing what He fulfills from Israel’s history.
• Matthew’s Jewish Audience: Matthew explains connections his audience would not naturally make, even though they knew the Torah.
• Formula Quotations: Explicit Old Testament citations used by Matthew to show fulfillment in Jesus’ life.

The Five Formula Quotations in Matthew 1–2

1. Jesus' Birth (Matthew 1:22–23)

• Source: Isaiah 7:14
• Meaning: While Isaiah originally referred to the birth of King Hezekiah, Matthew reveals a deeper, messianic fulfillment in Jesus.
• Bookends of Matthew:
  • Beginning: “God with us” (Emmanuel)
  • End: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20)

2. The Birthplace of the Messiah (Matthew 2:5–6)

• Source: Micah 5:2
• Meaning: Bethlehem, seemingly insignificant, is revealed as the birthplace of the true Shepherd-King.
• The Magi: Their gifts reflect Christ’s kingship (gold), divinity (frankincense), and humanity/sacrifice (myrrh).

3. Out of Egypt I Called My Son (Matthew 2:15)

• Source: Hosea 11:1
• Meaning: Jesus relives Israel’s story—flight into Egypt and return—showing Him as the true Son of God.
• Israel–Jesus Parallels: Threatened in infancy, protected in Egypt, called back, tested in the wilderness, commissioned by God.

4. Rachel Weeping for Her Children (Matthew 2:17–18)

• Source: Jeremiah 31:15
• Meaning: The massacre of the Holy Innocents echoes Israel’s past exiles and sorrow, yet Jeremiah’s context also promises hope and restoration.

5. He Shall Be Called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23)

• Source: Isaiah 11:1 (the “Branch”)
• Meaning: “Nazarene” connects to the Hebrew netzer (“branch”), symbolizing hope springing from what seemed cut off.
• Supporting Prophets: Zechariah and Isaiah both describe the coming “Branch” who restores God’s kingdom.

Resources Mentioned

• Matthew: The King and His Kingdom — Great Adventure Bible Study