In the fullness of time, when God’s eternal decree unfolded in the incarnation of Christ, the Gospel of Matthew begins with a resounding proclamation: the coming of Jesus Christ fulfills the long-anticipated promises of the Jewish Scriptures. To understand this fulfillment is to grasp the beauty and unity of the Word of God, as the Old Testament’s covenants, prophecies, and types find their completion in the person and work of Jesus.
Matthew, writing primarily to a Jewish audience, masterfully demonstrates how Jesus is the Messiah foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures. His Gospel is a symphony of fulfillment, where each theme of the Old Testament reaches its crescendo in Christ. Let us explore this truth as Puritans, with hearts aflame for the glory of God and minds disciplined by Scripture.
1. Genealogy: The Seed of Promise
Matthew begins his Gospel with a genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17), which to modern readers might seem tedious but is, in truth, a treasure trove of theological richness. By tracing Jesus’ lineage through Abraham and David, Matthew declares that Christ is the promised Seed of Abraham through whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:16). Furthermore, as the Son of David, Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne, the eternal King prophesied in 2 Samuel 7:12-13.
The genealogy also testifies to God’s providence and grace. It includes figures like Rahab, a Gentile harlot, and Ruth, a Moabite, showing that the promise of salvation extends beyond Israel to the nations. Even in the midst of human sin and failure, God sovereignly worked to bring forth His Messiah.
2. Birth of Christ: Emmanuel, God with Us
The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 finds its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel” (Matthew 1:23). This declaration is staggering—God Himself has come to dwell among His people. The holy and transcendent Lord takes on human flesh, entering the world not in power but in humility.
This fulfillment is not mere coincidence but the unfolding of God’s eternal purpose. The promise of God’s presence, seen throughout the Old Testament in the tabernacle, the temple, and the Shekinah glory, now takes on its fullest meaning in Christ, who is the true temple (John 2:19-21). He is the ultimate manifestation of God dwelling with His people.
3. Jesus as the New Moses
Matthew portrays Jesus as the New Moses, a fulfillment of Deuteronomy 18:15, where God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses. Consider the parallels:
- Moses delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt; Jesus delivers His people from the greater bondage of sin.
- Moses received the Law on Mount Sinai; Jesus expounds the Law in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), revealing its true spiritual intent.
- Moses interceded for Israel; Jesus is the greater Mediator who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.
In every way, Jesus surpasses Moses, bringing the final and perfect revelation of God’s will.
4. Fulfillment of Prophecies
Matthew repeatedly uses the formula “This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet…” to show how Jesus fulfills specific Old Testament prophecies. For example:
- Born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6): Micah 5:2 foretold the birthplace of the Messiah.
- Called out of Egypt (Matthew 2:15): Hosea 11:1 speaks of Israel’s exodus, which is typologically fulfilled in Christ.
- Weeping in Ramah (Matthew 2:18): Jeremiah 31:15’s lamentation finds its ultimate resolution in the hope of the Messiah’s coming.
- The Ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:13-16): Isaiah 9:1-2 foretells the light of the Messiah shining in Galilee.
These fulfillments demonstrate that Jesus is not a mere teacher or prophet but the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
5. The Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes the “Kingdom of Heaven,” a theme rooted in the Old Testament expectation of God’s reign. Daniel 7:13-14 speaks of the Son of Man receiving an everlasting dominion, and this prophecy comes to fruition in Jesus, who inaugurates the Kingdom through His ministry.
Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and authority all testify that He is the King. His parables reveal the nature of the Kingdom—unexpected, yet glorious. He calls sinners to repentance and faith, inviting them into this Kingdom that fulfills the covenantal promise of blessing and dominion (Genesis 1:28; 12:3).
6. The Atoning Work of Christ
The sacrificial system of the Old Testament pointed to the necessity of atonement for sin, yet these sacrifices could never fully cleanse the conscience (Hebrews 10:1-4). In Christ, the true Lamb of God (John 1:29), the once-for-all sacrifice is made.
Matthew 26:28 records Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Here, Jesus fulfills the covenantal promises of Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Isaiah 53, offering His life as a ransom for many. His death brings reconciliation between God and man, satisfying divine justice and displaying divine mercy.
7. The Resurrection: God’s Seal of Approval
The resurrection of Jesus is the climax of Matthew’s Gospel and the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament hope. Psalm 16:10 and Isaiah 53:10-12 spoke of the Messiah’s triumph over death. In rising from the grave, Jesus demonstrates that His atoning work is complete and accepted by the Father.
The resurrection also inaugurates the new creation, where Christ reigns as the firstfruits of those who will be raised (1 Corinthians 15:20). It confirms His identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of all Messianic prophecies.
8. The Great Commission: The Nations Blessed in Abraham
The Gospel of Matthew concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. This fulfills the promise to Abraham that through his seed, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
The inclusion of the Gentiles is not an afterthought but the realization of God’s redemptive plan. The Gospel of the Kingdom is for all peoples, and Jesus is the King to whom all authority in heaven and on earth belongs.
Conclusion: The Gospel’s Unified Story
In the book of Matthew, the Old Testament finds its fulfillment in Christ. Every promise, prophecy, type, and shadow converges in Him, revealing the wisdom and sovereignty of God’s plan of redemption. The Scriptures testify to Christ (John 5:39), and in Him, they are made complete.
As we reflect on this truth, let us marvel at the harmony of God’s Word and the glory of His Gospel. The promises of old are not forgotten but are fulfilled with divine precision in Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Reformed Faith Insights 