Prophecies of Jesus Birth in the Book of Matthew

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.”

Matthew 2:6

Dear Family & Friends,

It’s always beneficial to have a specific sign to make something clear. When I drive to a new location, I like to know that my next turn is by the red house. If I am picking up someone I’ve not met, it’s helpful to be told that they will be wearing a green T-shirt with a white heart on the front. And if I am going through a new experience, I want to be made aware of the expected symptoms, reactions, or responses so I can prepare myself for what is to come. In proclaiming Jesus as the Promised Messiah, Matthew pointed to signs, or prophecies, to provide evidence for the truth of his claims.

Four Gospel Accounts of the Lord Jesus

There are four gospels giving testimony to the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each writer had a different perspective and different audience. Matthew’s audience was mostly Jewish. In order to give credence to the claim that Jesus was the Messiah for Whom they had been waiting, he regularly pointed out prophecies from the Old Testament. His readers would have been aware of these prophecies but may have not made the connection between Jesus and the previously written words.

Prophecies of Jesus Birth and Early Life

The first prophecy Matthew references is in Isaiah 7:14. The prophet spoke of the Messiah being born of a virgin. But there were many more to come.

Particular national responsibilities took Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem of Judea right about the time of Jesus’s birth. This was not a coincidence but divinely ordained by God to fulfill another of the Old Testament prophecies. Micah 5:2 prophesied that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah. 

Although Matthew doesn’t go into detail about the circumstances of Jesus’ birth, the other gospels give testimony to the Christmas story we celebrate each year. Jesus entered the world clothed in human flesh – not in a sterile hospital, but in a humble stable. To some this might have been a surprising entrance for the long-awaited King, so Matthew gave other prophecies to shine more light on the truth.

Wise Men and a Crazy King

Wise men from a distant land saw a star in the sky and followed it to Jerusalem. Upon arrival they went to the most likely place to find the baby king, the palace. There they had an audience with a vicious and jealous ruler who found out the prophecies of Jesus birth and then pretended to be interested in worshiping this recently born monarch. “Go to Bethlehem and search diligently for the babe,” Herod said, “then come tell me so that I might also worship him.” But this was really only a front for a diabolically planned murder of the Child Who threatened his throne.

Herod’s devious plan was also ordained to fulfill Scripture. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream warning him of Herod’s secret scheme to murder Jesus and giving directions for him to flee to Egypt. Joseph hurriedly responded to the instruction of the angel. In the middle of the night he took the small family south to this foreign country. Matthew connects the dots by showing this sudden move as having been foretold by the prophet, Hosea (11:1) “When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.”

Herod, enraged at the defection of the wise men who were warned by God not to give any information to the psychotic king, gave the command to have every male child two years of age and younger in Bethlehem and its vicinity murdered. This atrocity had also been forecast by another prophet, Jeremiah (31:15). “A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they were no more.”

 Prophecies of Jesus Birth Make Truth Clear

Specific signs make unknown things clear. When I am looking for someone I have never met I look for the indicators I’ve been instructed to identify – the green T-shirt with the white heart on the front. In the same way, little by little, Matthew begins to point out the prophecies that give compelling evidence to the truth of Jesus’ identity. But by the end of chapter two the gospel writer has only just begun. There is so much more to come.

As you prayerfully read the book of Matthew the truth will become clear if you are willing to consider the signs and prophecies of Jesus birth. May God grant you open eyes and hearts to discover the truth.

Love,

Mama

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