The Gospel of Matthew was written to Jewish believers. His geneology places Jesus in Jewish history. He continually points out how Jesus fulfills the prophecy for the Messiah – including, but not limited to the fact that the Messiah:

• Would be a descendant of Shem named Abraham ( Genesis 22:18; 12; 17; 22). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1.
• Would be a descendant of Abraham’s son, Isaac, not Ishmael (Gen. 17; 21). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1.
• Would be a descendant of Isaac’s son, Jacob, not Esau (Gen. 28; 35:10-12; Num. 24:17). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1.
• Would be a descendant of Judah, not of the other eleven brothers of Jacob. Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1.
• Would be a descendant of the family of Jesse in the tribe of Benjamin (Isaiah 11:1-5). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1 and Luke 3:23-38.
• Would be of the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Jeremiah 23:5; Psalm 89:3-4). Fulfilled: See Christ’s genealogy in Matthew 1; Luke 1:27, 32, 69. Note: Since the the Jewish genealogical records were destroyed in 70 A.D., along with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, it would not be possible for a Messiah imposter who was born later to prove his lineage back to David and thus fulfill this prophecy.
• Would be born in a small city called Bethlehem, specifically the one formerly known as Ephratah (Micah 5:2). Fulfilled: Matthew 2:4-6
• Would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). Fulfilled: Matthew 1; Luke 1.
• Would come while the Temple of Jerusalem is standing ( Malachi 3:1; Psalm 118:26; Daniel 9:26; Zechariah 11:13; Haggai 2:7-9). Fulfilled: Matthew 21:12, etc.
• Will perform many miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6). Fulfillment: See the Gospels
• Will open the eyes of the blind (Isa. 29:18). Fulfillment: Matt 9:27-31; 12:22; 20:29;
• Will speak in parables (Psalm 78:2). Fulfillment: Matthew 13:34, etc.
• Will have his way prepared by a messenger (a man of the wilderness) (Isa. 40:3; Malachi 3:1). See John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-3; 11:10; John 1:23; Luke 1:17).
• Will be betrayed (Psalm 41:9). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:3-10.
• Will be betrayed by a friend (Psalm 41:9). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:3-10; 26:47-48.
• Will be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:3-10.
• The betrayal money will be cast onto the floor (Zech. 11:13). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:5.
• The betrayal money will be cast onto the floor of the Temple (Zech. 11:13). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:3-10.
• The betrayal money will be used to buy a potter’s field (Zech. 11:13). Fulfillment: Matt. 27:6-10.
• Will not open his mouth to defend himself (Isaiah 53:7). Fulfillment: Matthew 27:12.
• Will be beaten and spit upon (Isaiah 50:6). Fulfillment: Matthew 26:67; 27:26-30.
• Will be “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). Fulfillment: Jesus was crucified as a criminal in between two thieves (Mat 27:38).
• Will be given vinegar and gall to drink (Psalm 69:21). Fulfillment: Matthew 27:34, 48.
• Will say: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). Fulfillment: Matthew 27:46.
• Will be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9). Fulfillment: Matthew 27.
• Will be the Son of God (Psa. 2:7). Fulfilled: Matthew 3:17, etc.

Jewish people around the time of Jesus were looking for a Messiah who would be King. Their recent history proved that a dedicated resistance – with the help of God – could overthrow a world power and set up an earthly Kingdom. This is exactly what happened during the intertestmental period when Judas Maccabeus revolted against the Seleucid Empire. The Greeks  had forbidden the practicing Jewish religion since 175 BC.  Maccabeus was ultimately victorious, saw the miracle that is remembered in Hanukkah and forged an alliance with the emerging state of Rome to keep the theocracy free.

It happened once – not that long ago in the memory of an ancient people – and Lord willing it could happen again.

Matthew’s genealogy ends with Joseph.  He wrote about Joseph and the dreams God gave him. The father’s role of the Messiah was important to the early Jewish believers.

Matthew mentions the weeping in Ramah over the deaths of the children under two by Herod. He talks about Herod, the king in Jerusalem. He includes the Magi coming to find the King and the gifts they brought to the house. There is no mention of the shepherds, no hint of the birth in the manger. Matthew was writing to Jewish Christians to tell them their King had come.

Christmas according to Matthew is the birth of our King.

I love the story in Matthew. It tells me God is in control. Prophecy foretold years in advance is shown as fulfilled. Dreams direct Joseph telling him what to do, when to go and when to come. God is involved in the major life decisions of this family with a young king to care for… and He’s willing to give me similar directions.

Jesus is King. He is sovereign. But He’s not uninvolved with the affairs of man. Christmas according to Matthew proves this once again to me.