From the beginning of his Gospel, Matthew gives prominence to the theme of gentile inclusion. The four women at the front of the genealogy (1:3, 5, 6) are gentiles who have been included in the life of Israel. The Magi (2:1–12) are the first gentile characters in the story of Jesus. They respond positively to Jesus the Messiah by worshiping him (2:2, 11), foreshadowing other gentiles of faith who will populate Matthew’s story of Jesus (e.g., 8:5–13; 15:21–28; 27:19). These significant intimations