What was important to Matthew as he wrote the gospel? One thing that he deemed to be a big deal was that Jesus came in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Over and over, he stated, “… this was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…”

Want some examples?

Only Matthew tells us about Joseph’s plight in what to do about Mary. Joseph has a dream where he is told to take her as his wife and name the child Jesus, “because he will save the people from their sins.”

Matt. 1:22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord said to  the prophet, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means “God with us.” Isaiah 7:14

Only Matthew tells us about the Magi  from the East who come asking where to find the new-born Jewish king. Herod checks with the leaders.

Matt. 2:4 “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be a shepherd of my people Israel.’ ” Micah 5:2

Jesus is born, then  Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt. Later they return to Nazareth. Now Nazareth is not spoken of in the Old Testament, but Matthew says:

So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:23

Scholars think Matthew was referring to the word “neser” which means “branch.” Thus it fits with Jesse (the stump), his son King David (the shoot), and Jesus (the branch) when Isaiah says:

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, council and power, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:1-2

That sure describes Jesus!

During Jesus’ ministry he preached, but he also healed many people.

Matt. 8:17 This is to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” Isaiah 53:4

Well you get the idea. I found fourteen passages where Matthew continued to make the point that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, often quoting Isaiah, but also other prophets. The other gospel writers only have two or three references to the prophets.

This leads me to surmise that Matthew had a background in the study of Scripture. To some degree he must have followed the tradition of Scripture study at  five years of age, Mishnah study at 10, Torah obligations at 13, and possible rabbinical study at 15 if chosen to be tutored by a formal teacher.

All of this brings me to my burning question about Matthew. If he knew and was steeped in the old Scriptures, why in the world would he end up becoming a hated tax collector? Thus the first part of my book will explore his early life leading up to the tax collecting booth.

~ Joyce ~