Christ’s life & ministry were abundant with fulfillments of prophecy. There is a high concentration of them here, in the first two chapters of Matthew

Matthew 1:18-23 Born of a Virgin – Our Emmanuel

See Isaiah 7:14; 8:8, 10.

Note the extra Messianic prophecies in Isaiah chapter eight:

• Isaiah 8:13 cp. I Peter 3:15; John 5:23.
• Isaiah 8:14-15 cp. Isaiah 28:13,16; Psalm 118:22; I Peter 2:1-8; Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19.
• Isaiah 8:18 cp. Hebrews 2:13 (vs. 9-13).

Matthew 2:1-5 Born in Bethlehem

See Micah 5:2. This is also the city of David’s birth (I Samuel 17:12,15,58; Luke 2:1-11). Later, there would be great misunderstanding and controversy about Jesus’ birthplace.

Matthew 2:11-15 Goes to Egypt and Returns.

See Hosea 11:1. See Balaam’s prophecy (Numbers 24:1-9…note vs. 8). Herod died about 4 B.C. Christ was born around 5 B.C. So, the time in Egypt was brief, possibly a few weeks.

Matthew 2:19-23 He shall be called a Nazarene

Mysterious prophecy – a direct quote (vs. 23 – Note plural “prophets”) is nowhere to be found in the Old Testament Scriptures.

• Not to be confused with “Nazarite” (Numbers 6:1-21; Judges 13:1-5)
• Some think it is a reference to the Hebrew word “Netzar,” in Isaiah 11:1, for “Branch.” See Isaiah 53:2. Other Old Testament references to the Messiah as a “Branch” use a different Hebrew word (Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12-13). Note: definitions for the name “Nazareth vary. Most do not suggest anything to do with a branch.
• More likely it is a reference to the bad reputation associated with Nazareth (John 1:45-46). Jesus would be despised and rejected of men, especially the nation Israel (Isaiah 49:7; 50:6; 53:1-3; Psalm 22:6-8; John 1:10-11).
  • Jesus and His followers were often identified with this city (Matthew 21:10-11; Mark 14:67; John 18:1-8; 19:19-20; Acts 24:1-6).
  • Are we pleased to bear the reproach that goes with being a follower of the Nazarene? See Mark 8:34-38; II Timothy 1:7-8; 2:8-13; Hebrews 13:8-13
• Note the confusion about Jesus’ place of origin. See John 7:40-43; 44-53.
• Nazareth was located in Galilee. Jesus’ parents had come from Nazareth (Luke 2:4).
• After returning from Egypt, the family moved back to Nazareth (Matthew 2:22-23).
• The Jews assumed that Jesus had been born in Nazareth.
• No one checked the Temple records.
• No one bothered to ask Jesus or His parents.
• Jesus didn’t offer to explain or defend His reputation (Philippians 2:5-8).
• Since they didn’t seek Him for the truth, He let them continue to argue in ignorance (John 7:37-38; 8:31-32 cp. Matthew 7:7-11; 11:28-30).
• Knowledge is held back from those who are proud, stubborn, and presumptuous. Those who humble themselves and seek Him with a true heart may learn of Him (Mark 4:9-13 [vs. 13 cp. Matthew 7:7 – If you want to know, ask!]; Matthew 13:9-15; James 4:1-10; Psalm 105:4; Proverbs 1:7).

Matthew 2:16-18 Slaughter of Children by Herod

This involves a quote from Jeremiah 31:15. This quote directly refers to the Babylonian invasion and consequent captivity. This sad description is accompanied by promises of comfort and hope – promises of restoration (Jeremiah 31:12-14; 16-17). Does this not also apply to the sad day when Herod destroyed those children? Shall not the Lord return and restore Israel in His kingdom? Resurrected saints shall dwell in the restored Israel.

Consider Luke 18:7; James 5:1-11; II Thessalonians 1:3-12; Psalm 37.