The first book of the New Testament begins with a recitation of the genealogy of Jesus, but Matthew was aware, not only of the lineage of Jesus Christ, but of the prophecies of the past which were fulfilled with his birth.
From Micah, there was the promise of the one who would be God's anointed ruler, the shepherd of Israel:
" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' - Matt. 2:6 NIV
From Jeremiah, in the same chapter where God promises a new covenant, there is also the prophecy that refers to Herod killing all the boys less then two years old in order to eradicate the king the Magi came to worship.
"A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more." - Matt: 2:18 NIV
And from Isaiah, where Isaiah prophesies of the coming king who will tend his flock as a shepherd, mention is made of the one who would be John the Baptist.
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.' " - Matt. 3:3 NIV
And if all of these prophecies being fulfilled was not enough, just as Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, the heavens open up and John saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." - Matt 3:17 NIV
The long expected consolation of Israel has come.
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