Jesus as the Fulfillment of Prophecy in the Gospel of Matthew
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The Gospel of Matthew is often regarded as the most “Jewish” of the four Gospels, as it emphasizes how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, connecting His life, ministry, death, and resurrection to the promises and predictions of the prophets. This article explores how Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy, with references to key Old Testament writings.
The Genealogy of Jesus: A Promise Fulfilled
Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17) tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and David. This establishes Jesus as the rightful heir to the promises made to these pivotal figures in Jewish history.
- Abrahamic Covenant: God promised Abraham that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). By linking Jesus to Abraham, Matthew shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise, bringing salvation to the world.
- Davidic Covenant: God promised David that one of his descendants would rule an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Matthew’s genealogy confirms Jesus as the “Son of David,” the prophesied King of the Jews.
The Virgin Birth: Isaiah’s Prophecy
In Matthew 1:22-23, the author directly references Isaiah 7:14:
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
This prophecy highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth and underscores His divine identity. The virgin birth signifies that Jesus is not just a human descendant of David but also the Son of God, bringing God’s presence to humanity.
The Birthplace of the Messiah: Micah’s Prophecy
Matthew 2:5-6 points to Micah 5:2, which foretells the Messiah’s birthplace:
“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 shepherd my people Israel.”
Matthew records how the chief priests and scribes identified Bethlehem as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah, further validating Jesus’ identity as the promised King.
The Flight to Egypt: Hosea’s Prophecy
In Matthew 2:14-15, Joseph takes Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath. Matthew links this event to Hosea 11:1:
“Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Though Hosea originally referred to Israel’s exodus, Matthew sees a typological fulfillment in Jesus, portraying Him as the ultimate “Son” who fulfills Israel’s destiny.
The Suffering Servant: Isaiah’s Predictions
Matthew frequently draws on Isaiah’s prophecies about the Suffering Servant to describe Jesus’ mission and sacrificial death. For example, Matthew 8:17 cites Isaiah 53:4:
“He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
This connection emphasizes Jesus’ role as the one who bears humanity’s sins and heals their brokenness, fulfilling the redemptive work foretold by Isaiah.
The Betrayal and Crucifixion: Zechariah’s Prophecies
Matthew 26:15 mentions Judas Iscariot receiving thirty pieces of silver for betraying Jesus, fulfilling Zechariah 11:12-13:
“They paid me thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’…So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter at the house of the Lord.”
Additionally, Matthew 27:39-43 references Psalm 22:7-8, which predicts the mocking of the Messiah during His crucifixion. These fulfillments demonstrate that even Jesus’ suffering and rejection were part of God’s divine plan.
The Resurrection: Foreshadowed in Jonah
In Matthew 12:40, Jesus compares His death and resurrection to Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish:
“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
This typological fulfillment highlights Jesus’ victory over death and His role as the ultimate sign of God’s redemptive power.
Conclusion
Matthew’s Gospel masterfully weaves Old Testament prophecies into the narrative of Jesus’ life, proving that He is the long-awaited Messiah. From His genealogy and birth to His ministry, death, and resurrection, every aspect of Jesus’ life fulfills God’s promises and plans as revealed through the prophets.
By highlighting these connections, Matthew invites readers to see Jesus as the culmination of God’s redemptive work, calling us to embrace Him as Savior and King. The fulfillment of prophecy not only validates Jesus’ identity but also assures us of God’s faithfulness to His word and His people.
Do you have additional scriptures that we should put in this article? Share them with us in the comments below.
Wishing you a blessed day,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
