Exodus, Exile, and Nazareth

There are places where the word fulfilled can mean that through the actions of Jesus a specific OT prophecy was finally fulfilled. For example, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem it was the fulfillment of Micah 5:2, which told that the Messiah would be born in lowly Bethlehem Ephrathah. But in other places the word fulfilled calls us to consider not just specific prophecies but also how some of the major events of the OT also point to Christ, specifically here in this chapter the Exodus from Egypt and the exile to Babylon. And in a third case in this chapter, Matthew uses the word fulfilled, not pointing us to any specific passage, but calling us to reflect on a number of OT passages and stories which also point the way to the person and work of Christ. And in chapter 2, similar to the genealogy of chapter 1, Matthew gives we might say a very brief but entire history of Israel beginning with the Exodus, the Davidic Kingship, and the Exile.
Matthew in the second part of chapter 2 also continues to give his defense and proof that Jesus is the Messiah. We have already noted two proofs. He is the Messiah because He is truly the Son of David having been adopted by Joseph son of David. He is the Messiah because He has been born as the Son of David in the city of David, Bethlehem. And now in chapter 2:13-23, Matthew gives three more proofs that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, through whom God has drawn near to dwell with His people.
This morning we will look at 2:13-23 in three parts.

1. Verses 13-15: Jesus Has Come to Bring Us Out of Our Rebellion
2. Verses 16-18: Jesus Has Come in Our Sorrow to Bring Us Hope
3. Verses 19-23: Jesus Has Come in Scorn and Humility