Jesus in the Old Testament – Birth and Escape to Egypt

Did you know that the Old Testament (OT) has plenty to say about Jesus? But many churches won’t teach from the OT claiming it is either irrelevant or too complicated. But Peter tells us that the Scriptures were written for our benefit (1 Peter 1:10-12). By seeing the connections between the Old and New Testaments we get the big picture of God’s plan of salvation and how it has and will continue to unfold until Jesus’ return.

To help get you started in appreciating what the OT has to offer, this series of 4 posts will focus on familiar NT passages regarding Jesus’ birth to his ascension into heaven and match where we find these events prophesied of in the OT.

Let’s start with Jesus’ birth and escape to Egypt.  Future posts will look at where the OT refers to Jesus being our Saviour, His betrayal, death, resurrection and ascension.

Birth

New Testament:  

The gospel of Matthew provides an overview of some key details of Jesus’ birth. He was miraculously born to a virgin called Mary (1:18) in Bethlehem (2:1,6).  His earthly father was Joseph, a descendant from the tribe of Judah (1:2). As a young child Jesus and his family were visited by wisemen called the Magi.  The Magi had seen his star in the east and, bearing gifts (2:11), they had come to worship the one born King of the Jews (2:1-2).  

Old Testament:

• Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son… (Is 7:14)
• He will be formed in the womb to be God’s servant on earth to Israel and the Gentiles (Is 49:5-6)
• From a little town called Bethlehem will go forth a ruler (Micah 5:2)
• Nations and kings will come to see his brightness bearing gold and frankincense (Is 60:3, 6)
• The sceptre will never depart from Judah (Gen 49:10) 

The Old Testament does not hold back in its details.  Even by using the language ‘Behold! a virgin…’ it is making a very clear declaration as to the miracle of Jesus’ birth 700 years before the actual event.  The reference to Judah in Genesis is also a reminder that Jesus is a descendant from the tribe that was promised the kingly line, hence the symbol of the sceptre.‌
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Escape to Egypt

New Testament: 

Upon hearing from the Magi that they were searching for the King of the Jews, Herod also wanted to find the child and destroy Him.  Why?  Likely because Herod feared losing his own kingship and power. Joseph, being warned in a dream, then fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus until it was safe to return (Matt 2:2-3; 13-14; 16; 19-21)

Old Testament: 

• The prophet Hosea spoke that out of Egypt God called His Son (Hosea 11:1).  

This is not to be read as if to say Hosea prophesied Jesus’ escape to Egypt and returned.  Matthew uses these verses as a link to show that as God called his people out of Egypt (Ex. 3:10), so too He called Jesus out of Egypt.  One of the key differences though is that Jesus was perfectly obedient to the Father, unlike the Israelites.

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Want to see where the OT prophesies Jesus’ as Saviour and His betrayal ?

Jesus in the OT – Betrayal of a Saviour