Podcast Summary: Annotating Matthew 2:4-6

Podcast: A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace
Hosts: Alexa & Beth
Episode: S4: Week 47 Day 3 (November 19, 2025)

Overview

This episode focuses on annotating Matthew 2:4-6 as part of the "Christ in All of Scripture" reading plan. Alexa and Beth guide listeners through the process of marking up the text, drawing connections between this New Testament passage and Old Testament prophecies (specifically Micah), and reflecting on how both point to the person and purpose of Jesus. Their discussion aims to help listeners see Jesus as the center of the biblical narrative and foster a deeper love for Him.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Reading and Initial Annotation

• Scripture Passage: Matthew 2:4-6 is read aloud, centering on Herod’s inquiry about the Messiah’s birthplace and the citation of prophecy about Bethlehem.
  • "So he assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people and asked them where the Messiah would be born. 'In Bethlehem of Judea,' they told him, 'because this is what was written by the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, because out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" (00:47)

Four Prompts of Annotation

1. Things That Point to Christ

• Highlights:
  • "Messiah," "Bethlehem," "ruler," and the phrase "shepherd over my people Israel" are identified as key Christological pointers. (01:08)
• Insight: Each phrase emphasizes Christ’s identity, messianic mission, and fulfillment of prophecy.

2. God’s Attributes in the Passage

• Main Attribute: Faithfulness
  • Beth connects God's faithfulness to the keeping of ancient promises, as Christ’s birth in Bethlehem fulfills prophecy. (01:28)
  • Quote: “He made a promise many years before the wise men were in Herod’s court, and he has certainly kept it through the coming of Christ, who had just been born.” — Beth (01:36)

3. Circling References to Bethlehem

• Method:
  • Both mentions of "Bethlehem," “in the land of Judah,” the phrase “by no means least among the rulers”, and “out of you will come a ruler” are all circled in the text. (01:48)
• Purpose: These markings reinforce Bethlehem’s importance and its specification as the site of messianic fulfillment.

4. Comparing Old and New Testament Prophecies

• Differences Noted:
  • Micah says Bethlehem is “small among the tribes”; Matthew says “by no means least.”
  • Matthew includes “the ruler who will shepherd my people Israel,” an addition not directly in Micah’s prophecy but present in Micah 5:4. (02:22)
• Interpretation:
  • These differences aren’t distortions but offer clarification and added emphasis for New Testament readers.
  • Quote: “These differences weren’t included to change or mess with the prophecy that Micah had spoken. Rather, these differences are just clarifying that prophecy and emphasizing certain aspects of it.” — Beth (02:47)
  • The phrase “by no means least” highlights the significance of Bethlehem’s role despite its small size.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Seeing Jesus as the Focus of Scripture:

  • “We are hopeful that through studying these passages each week, you will see how Christ is not only present throughout the entire biblical story, but the center of it.” — Beth (00:17)

• On Prophecy Fulfillment and God’s Faithfulness:

  • “He has certainly kept it through the coming of Christ, who had just been born.” — Beth (01:36)

• On Old Testament and New Testament Connections:

  • “I love how the New Testament writers help to bring clarity to Old Testament prophecies. That just goes to show that they understood what these prophecies meant and they wanted to make sure the audience understood that too.” — Alexa (03:27)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:47: Reading of Matthew 2:4-6
• 01:08 – 01:55: Four annotation prompts, methods, and personal highlights
• 02:22 – 03:27: Compare and contrast Micah prophecy and Matthew account; discussion on clarifications and additions in fulfillment
• 03:27: Reflection on the importance of clarifying Old Testament prophecy in the New Testament

Final Thoughts

Alexa and Beth’s careful, interactive annotation process showcases how Matthew’s Gospel deliberately connects the Old Testament promise to Jesus’ arrival, revealing God’s faithfulness and redemptive plan. The episode serves as a practical guide for Bible study and underscores the value of tracing Jesus throughout all of Scripture.

Listeners are encouraged to continue with the next episode for a fuller discussion on the connection between the two key passages of the week and their significance in the story of Christ.