1. Matthew’s Infancy Narrative
An Overture that Points to Easter?

3. The Shape of the Story Genealogy and Birth 1:1-25 Heading 1:1
Concluding summary 1:17
A Dream and a Birth 1:18-25
Dreams and Commands
The Magi 2:1-12
Flight into Egypt 2:13-15
Return to Israel 2: The Move to Nazareth 2:22-23

4. Dwd = 14 The Genealogy Biblical Precedent – Genealogies matter
(Gen 5:1; 1Chronicles 1-3)
Prove Jesus is rooted in the Jewish Tradtion and of the House of David
Significant structure points to him as fulfilment of Israel’s history 14x 14x 14x
Dwd = 14

5. The Role of the Women Tamar – Gen 38 Rahab – Josh 2:6 Ruth – Ruth 1-4
Bathsheba - 2Sam11-12
Foreign Women
Stories are potentially scandalous
Yet each plays a key role in the story of Israel

6. The Arrangement of 1:18-2:23
Five scenes containing: Dream command, Fulfilment of Scripture Obedience to command
1:18-25 Jesus is legally of Joseph but also Emmanuel 2: The Magi – gentile seekers 2:13-15 The Threat of Herod (anticipation of rejection)
2:16-21 Child is saved and returns to Israel
2:22-23 The Child moves to Nazareth

7. Parallels Between Moses and Jesus
Genealogy Ex:1:1-5
Dream prophesies that Moses will save his people
Moses escapes slaughter of Hebrew Children (Ex 1:15-22)
Pharaoh learns of deliverer from his scribes (Josephus)
Moses returns after the death of Pharaoh (Ex4:19)
JESUS
Genealogy Matt 1:2-16
Joseph told in dream Jesus will save his people
Jesus escapes Herod’s slaughter
Herod learns of future King from scribes
After death of Herod Joseph commanded by angel to return to Israel