Setting the Stage

The first two chapters of Matthew cover the early life of Jesus. Chapter 1 is concerned with genealogy, and showing how Jesus is a direct descendant of David and Abraham. I'm sure there is some important symbolism to be interpreted in the report of 14 generations between Abraham and David, then 14 generations from David to exile in Babylon, then 14 more generations from exile to Jesus. A subject for another time.

In this blog I aim to confine myself to the words and actions of Jesus as the subject matter. Before he comes along in Matthew chapter 3, however, there are a number of important situations that aim to show how Jesus is tied to Old Testament prophecies. These will be the first 'words' and 'deeds' in our discussion.

In chapter 1, Mary and Joseph are not yet married and Joseph finds out she is with child. He resolves to 'dismiss her quietly', but then is visited by an angel in a dream. The angel says:

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel" (which means "God is with us").

The study Bible notes report that this is the first of fourteen quotations of prophecies. This one is from Isaiah 7.14. "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel."

In chapter 2 the wise men come from the East to visit the newborn king. They were heading for Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

"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."

The study Bible notes say this is a combination of statements from Micah 5.2 and 2 Samuel 5.2.
"But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one is who to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days."
"For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel."

The wise men find Jesus, but are also warned (in a dream) to not return to Herod. Joseph is also visited (again) by angels in a dream, who say:

"Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you: for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."

Joseph obeys, and in so doing sets up to fulfill another prophecy:

"Out of Egypt I have called my son."

Study Bible reference quotes Hosea 11.1. "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."

Herod is infuriated about the possibility of an infant usurper to his power, and sets out to massacre all children in and around Bethlehem two years old and under. This fulfills a prophecy of Jeremiah:

"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."

Study Bible citation: this is a direct quote from Jeremiah 31.15, which originally referred to the exile of the Northern tribes to Assyria.

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus remain in Egypt until Herod dies. At that point, another angel messenger comes to Joseph in another dream, saying:

"Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead."

Another dream warns Joseph to not head back to Bethlehem, so he went away to the district of Galilee, and the town of Nazareth. This was also to fulfill a prophecy:

"He will be called a Nazorean."

Study Bible says no known Old Testament passage corresponds to this quote.

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So that's what happens in the first two chapters of Matthew. Showing the royal lineage of Jesus and tying the early events of his arrival on earth with various old prophetic statements. Chapter 3 is where the now-adult Jesus meets John the Baptist, and we can start focusing on what Jesus says and does directly.

So far the events of the story are odd.

To fulfill the wise men's quoted prophecy, Mary gives birth in Bethlehem (even though she isn't from there, at least according to Luke). Matthew makes no mention of Joseph's or Mary's origins, but they appear to only stay in Bethlehem long enough for the prophecy to be true.

Then they flee to Egypt so it can be said that God's son was called "out of Egypt."

When they can return safely to Israel, they don't return 'home' to Bethlehem, but rather go 75 miles further north to the town of Nazareth, so that another one-liner from the past can come to fruition. They would basically have to walk past Bethlehem to get there. (Luke's account says Nazareth is where Joseph and Mary are originally from, and that they were only in Bethlehem for the census.)

The aim of the first portion of Matthew is clear, I think. The writers want to make sure we know that Jesus is part of a continuation of the past. He is of the same royal line as the founders and great kings of Israel, and his coming was foreseen by the prophets of old. A short but important introduction to this New Testament where soon portions of the old order will be turned on its head.