Matthew's two stories of sabbath controversy contain key materials on the relations between Jesus and the sabbath. Deploying both socio-historical and literary criticisms, the author concludes that for Matthew the sabbath is fulfilled by Jesus-that is to say, Jesus' redemption has fulfilled the ultimate goal for the sabbath. The christological and eschatological character of these stories is thus apparent, and Yang suggests that such an emphasis, over against the Pharisees' casuistic concerns, betrays Matthew's awareness of the danger of a legalistic tendency in sabbath observance among members of his community.

Dr Yong-Eui Yang is Assistant Professor of New Testament at the Reformed Theological Seminary, Seoul, South Korea.