(5-8 minutes, easy set-up)
Learners will consider the importance of the word “fulfilled” in the book of Matthew.
Provide a dry erase board and marker.
On the board, list the following passages: Matthew 1:22, 2:15, 2:17, 2:23, 4:14, 8:17, 12:17, 13:14, 13:35, 21:4, 26:54,56, 27:9. Share that each of these verses has one word in common. Call on volunteers to quickly read the first three or four passages until learners identify the common word (fulfilled). Write fulfilled on the board and lead learners to define the word (carry out; to complete; to bring to realization; to satisfy; to finish). Note that in the Greek New Testament, the gospel of Matthew contains approximately 68 references to the Old Testament (Jackson, available on-line).
Point out that Matthew built much of his gospel around the fulfillment of prophecies in Isaiah. Ask: Why do you think this was so important to Matthew? As learners respond, as necessary, add the following: Matthew wrote to a mainly Jewish audience, and therefore wanted to make sure they understood that Jesus fulfilled all the promises from the Old Testament; Matthew wanted to convince his readers of Jesus’ role as THE long-awaited Messiah.