MATTHEW GOSPEL: SLAUGHTER OF THE CHILDREN

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) Matthew records nine special events that are not mentioned in any of the other Gospels. In each case, the most apparent reason for Matthew's choice has to do with his purpose in communicating the gospel to Jewish people. Five cases are fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies (marked with asterisks on the subject). The other four would have been of particular interest to the Jews of Matthew's day.

b) Here is one of the cases.

1. Subject

a) Slaughter of the children.

2. Scripture text: Matthew 2:16-18

i) ¹⁶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. ¹⁷ Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: ¹⁸ “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more." (Matthew 2:16-18 NKJV)

The End ...