In the book of Matthew, he quoted the Old Testament many times.  I counted 76 times (and I may have missed some) where we read of where the Old Testament was either quoted or alluded to in the book of Matthew.  Now, a quotation is a word-for-word citation of the original source, often preceded by “it is written” or “saying”.  An allusion is a reference to the original source using the same key words or thoughts without quoting word for word.  Of course, we cannot look at each of these times that Matthew quoted from or alluded to the Old Testament, so let’s look at a few times that would speak of the Gospel to those around Him.

Matthew 1:23, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  This is quoted from Isaiah 7:14 which says, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”  These words were written by Matthew to authenticate that, at the birth of Jesus, He was the One prophesied about that should come…and His name would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us” showing that God, in the person of the Lord Jesus had come into the world to save sinners. (Read Luke 19:10).

Matthew 3:3, “For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”  These are again the words of Matthew in describing the ministry of John the Baptist.  It is quoted from Isaiah 40:3 which says, “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”  This, once again, acknowledges that Jesus is the Lord and our God.  We read in 1 Timothy 3:16, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  This is a warning from the Lord Jesus, Himself, against those who profess to be saved, but are counting on their own works to save them.  This is a quote from Psalm 6:8 which says, “Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.”  What a dire but loving appeal from the Lord to those who would depend upon their own efforts to save themselves.  Their eternity is doomed because of their lack of faith in the Lord Jesus.  We read in Titus 3:5 that it is, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”

Matthew 9:13, “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”  This is another quote from the Lord Jesus showing how He came to call sinners to repent of their sins that they might be saved.  This is quoted from Hosea 6:6, “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”  We read in 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

Matthew 21:1-5, “And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.”  These were the words of Matthew to describe to us the significance of the Lord’s entrance to Jerusalem prior to His crucifixion.  They show that Christ is the King and had come to die for them.  These words were an allusion to Zechariah 9:9 which says, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” 

As you can see, there are many quotes from the Old Testament in the book of Matthew…some by Christ and some by others.  Indeed, the graceful words were attempts to show who Christ really is, how He loved the world, and had come to die for sinners like you and me.  (CC)  (654.4)