One of the most incredible aspects of Scripture is how interconnected it is. The Bible isn’t just a collection of books—it’s a unified story, authored by God, that points us to Jesus Christ. Nowhere is that more beautifully seen than in the Gospel of Matthew, where cross-references tie Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment like golden threads in a divine tapestry.
Matthew, writing primarily to a Jewish audience, intentionally draws from the Old Testament to show that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. From the very first chapter, we’re invited to trace those threads and see the faithfulness of God woven across centuries.
1. Fulfillment of Prophecy
Matthew repeatedly uses the phrase, “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet…” (e.g., Matthew 1:22, 2:15, 2:17). He’s not just citing prophecy to prove a point—he’s revealing the continuity of God’s plan. For example:
- Matthew 1:23 references Isaiah 7:14, showing that Jesus’ virgin birth was foretold.
- Matthew 2:6 quotes Micah 5:2, pointing to Bethlehem as the Messiah’s birthplace.
- Matthew 2:15 echoes Hosea 11:1, reminding us that just as God called Israel out of Egypt, so too did He call His Son.
These aren’t coincidences. They’re divine fingerprints.
2. Jesus as the New Moses
Matthew also paints Jesus as a new and greater Moses. Consider:
- Moses delivered God’s law on Mount Sinai; Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5).
- Moses led Israel out of slavery; Jesus leads us out of sin.
- Matthew 2:16-18 echoes Pharaoh’s slaughter of Hebrew babies, connecting Jesus’ early life to Israel’s story.
The cross-references aren’t just theological trivia—they deepen our understanding of Jesus’ mission and identity.
3. The Kingdom of Heaven: A Theme with Roots
Matthew’s frequent use of “Kingdom of Heaven” is also rooted in Old Testament expectations of a coming king who would reign forever (see Daniel 7:13-14, Isaiah 9:6-7). By referencing these promises, Matthew invites us to recognize that Jesus didn’t come to start something new—He came to fulfill something ancient.
4. A Call to Search the Scriptures
Cross references are more than scholarly notes in our study Bibles. They’re invitations. They say, “Go deeper. Look again. God is telling one great story—and you’re a part of it.”
Jesus Himself encouraged this kind of study. In John 5:39, He said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” That includes the Scriptures Matthew so lovingly connects to Jesus.
Full List of Cross References:
- Matthew 1:23 = Isaiah 7:14
- Matthew 2:6 = Micah 5:2
- Matthew 2:18 = Jeremiah 31:15
- Matthew 3:3 = Isaiah 40:3
- Matthew 4: 4 = Deuteronomy 8:3
- Matthew 4:6 = Psalm 91:11-12
- Matthew 4:10 = Deuteronomy 6:13-14
- Matthew 4:15-16 = Isaiah 9:1-2
- Matthew 11:10 = Malachi 3:1
- Matthew 12:17-21 = Isaiah 42:1-2
- Matthew 13:14-15 = Isaiah 6:9-10
- Matthew 13:35 = Psalm 78:2
- Matthew 21:5 = Zechariah 9:9-10
- Matthew 21:16 = Psalm 8:2
- Matthew 21:42 = Psalm 118:22-23
- Matthew 22:44 = Psalm 110:1
As you read Matthew, don’t rush. Pause at those little footnotes. Follow the cross references. They’re not distractions—they’re revelations. They help us see the unchanging faithfulness of a God who keeps His promises and fulfills His Word.
So trace the threads. Marvel at the beauty of Scripture. And let your heart be stirred by the God who, through every page, is drawing us closer to Christ.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:444
Dawn Zauner 