Big Idea: Matthew contrasts Jesus’ identity as the Messiah—the true King who enacts Israel’s return from exile—with Rome’s client-king, Herod, affirming Jesus’ identity through Old Testament testimony, God’s protection, and worship of Jesus by the Gentile magi.

Understanding the Text

Matthew 2 narrates the political threat that Jesus’ birth creates for Herod and the ensuing need for Jesus’ family to flee the country. After time in Egypt, they return, settling in Nazareth. Themes of God’s protection and direction of Jesus’ family through dreams and angelic guidance are prominent, continuing the scene from 1:18–25, where God uses a dream to guide Joseph’s decision making. As he has already done at 1:22–23, Matthew uses fulfillment quotations to connect Jesus’ story to the Old Testament story o…