Matthew 2:19-23

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Matthew 2:19-23
The fourth reference to prophecy in chapter two is unusual because there is no direct quote. Instead, Matthew says that Jesus dwelt in Nazareth “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets….” Matthew does not refer to any one prophecy but tells us that this was something of which many prophets spoke. Is there a specific prophecy that refers to Jesus as a “Nazarene?” No, but that does not mean we cannot understand Matthew’s reference.In the first place, one from Nazareth was considered a “nobody.” In John 1:46, Nathaniel said to Philip, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Thus, it is interesting that Jesus was not known as a “Bethlehemite,” which would have connected Him with David and a messianic lineage. He is known as a Nazarene and therefore as Isaiah said, “despised and rejected” (Isa. 53:3).

Some also suggest that the background of the word “Nazarene” comes from the Hebrew “netzer,” meaning “sprout.” It is the idea of a tree being cut down and left for dead. But at some point a green sprout comes up where the tree once was. It seems to be of no use and such a sprout is despised. But this is exactly how both Isaiah and Zechariah referred to the coming messiah: “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isa. 11:1). “Then speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, saying: “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the LORD” (Zech. 6:12).

Possibly there is even another picture that can be suggested. Nazareth was a city off the main highways. Important people did not go there; they stayed on the big roads going to their personal destinations. But for those who are looking for a hope beyond the pursuits of this world, that hope is found in this rejected city. There we can find the Nazarene, the sprout of hope when all else seems to be lost. There the despised and rejected will go to find One who lighten their burdens and give them a yoke that is easy (Mt. 11:29-30). “He shall be called a Nazarene,” but God exalted Him above every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come” (Eph. 1:20-22).
Berry Kercheville