Old Testament Echoes in the Lead-Up to Jesus' Birth in Matthew

Previously, we delved into the intricate genealogy of Jesus, examining the Old Testament narratives that provide context and depth to some of the names featured in Christ's family tree. If you happened to miss that insightful discussion, you can catch up on it here. Now, as we transition from that foundational genealogy, Matthew embarks on an extraordinary narrative detailing the miraculous story of how the Messiah entered the world. This story is steeped in Old Testament significance and serves as a bridge connecting the prophecies and promises of the Hebrew Scriptures to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Matthew essentially picks up where he left off, concluding the genealogy in Matt. 1:16 with the phrase, "Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah." This pivotal moment sets the stage for the unfolding drama of the Nativity.

As we continue in Matthew's account, we learn more about the lives of Mary and Joseph leading up to the birth of Jesus. The text informs us that they were betrothed to one another, a term that may seem akin to modern engagement but carries much deeper implications in the context of Jewish culture. To pause and reflect on the concept of betrothal, it is crucial to understand that it was a legally binding agreement, far more significant than what we typically think of as engagement today. In Jewish law, a betrothal could only be severed through a formal divorce, which meant that the couple was regarded as already married in the eyes of the community. This is why Matthew refers to Joseph as Mary's husband rather than merely her fiancé. The gravity of this arrangement is underscored when we learn that Mary is "found to be with child by the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 1:18), a revelation that would dramatically alter both of their lives.

Upon discovering Mary's unexpected pregnancy, Joseph, described as a righteous man, grapples with a profound moral dilemma. He resolves to divorce her quietly, aiming to protect her from public disgrace and shame. This decision reflects his adherence to the law while also demonstrating compassion. However, as Joseph contemplates his next steps, an angel of the Lord intervenes, appearing to him in a dream. This moment is rich with Old Testament resonance, reminding the audience of significant biblical episodes marked by divine communication through dreams. Notably, the dreams of Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel), stand out. It is intriguing to consider that the Old Testament Joseph was both a dreamer and an interpreter of dreams, and now we see his namesake, the earthly father of Jesus, receiving divine revelations through similar dream visions. The parallels between these two Josephs extend beyond their shared name and dream experiences; they intertwine their narratives in remarkable ways.

Firstly, both Josephs are sons of a man named Jacob. Secondly, both find themselves in Egypt as a direct result of divine dreams guiding their paths. Thirdly, each faces the threat of persecution, forcing them to take courageous actions to protect their families. Fourthly, both Josephs exhibit heroic qualities in their efforts to save their loved ones from perilous situations. Lastly, they share a connection to Rachel—Rachel being the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of the Old Testament Joseph. In Matthew, Joseph avoids the slaughter of the young boys in Bethlehem, which is said to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah about Rachel weeping for her children (Mt. 2:18).

Through these connections, we begin to see how the narratives of the Old Testament intricately shape the life and mission of Jesus. As Matthew's story unfolds, we encounter yet another angelic visitation to Joseph in a dream. In this pivotal moment, the angel instructs Joseph to name the child in Mary's womb Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Mt. 1:21). The name Jesus, Yeshua in Hebrew, carries profound meaning: "YHWH Saves." This name is not merely a label; it encapsulates His divine mission, foreshadowing the salvation He will bring. His name is His mission since (spoiler alert) He will save His people from their sins. As we move into verses 22 and 23, Matthew emphasizes that all of these events transpired to fulfill what the Lord had declared through the prophet.

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). ~ Mt. 1:23, ESV

Matthew's audience, familiar with the Scriptures, would have immediately recognized this as a reference to a well-known messianic prophecy delivered through the prophet Isaiah (Isa. 7:14). Yet, Matthew takes the time to interpret the Hebrew term Immanuel for those who may need clarification, invoking Isaiah once again to elucidate its meaning: "God with us" (Isa. 8:8, 10). This declaration serves as one of the central themes throughout Matthew's Gospel. As we progress through the text, we are continually reminded to interpret every subsequent event in light of this profound promise of Jesus as God-With-Us. This theme resonates powerfully, culminating in the climactic moment at the end of Matthew's account, where Jesus commissions His remaining eleven disciples on a mountaintop, assuring them:

"Behold, I AM with you always, to the end of the age." ~ Mt. 28:20, ESV

In the narrative leading up to Jesus' birth, we begin to grasp how Matthew's original audience would perceive the reverberations of Old Testament stories and prophecies echoing in the background. It is essential for us, as contemporary readers, to cultivate a similar familiarity with the Old Testament. We should immerse ourselves in the Hebrew Scriptures and the overarching story of Israel so that we can recognize these echoes as we read the New Testament. Trading in our twenty-first-century reading glasses for first-century lenses and reading our Bible through the perspective of the Old Testament story of Israel allows us to engage with the biblical text in a more profound and meaningful way. Once we develop this reflex while studying Scripture, the Bible opens up in an entirely new way, revealing layers of meaning that may have previously eluded us. I can attest to this transformative experience in my own journey.

In our next discussion, we will shift our focus to the birth narrative of Jesus. We will explore the significant events surrounding His birth and examine what transpires subsequently. What Old Testament echoes might we hear in Matthew's account of these pivotal moments? I look forward to delving into these questions with you! Until next time, remember to be bold and unashamed this week! God Bless.