volume 13, issue 1, 2021, pages 20-48

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBZIS1483
Published online: 2021-06-01
Published in print: 2021-06-30

Abstract: There is an interconnection between the Emmanuel theme and the theme of the forgiveness of sins in the Gospel of Matthew. It is systematically developed in the course of the gospel narrative. This article using the historical critical method exposes this development. According to the evangelist saving his people from their sins and being with them as Emmanuel are the two missions of Jesus in accordance with the divine plan (Matt 1:21.23). Forgiveness of sins is an activity of God as well as an evidence of his presence. God’s presence is manifested in the person of Jesus who achieves the forgiveness of sins through the Institution Eucharist (26:26-29). Though saving from sins remains the mission of Jesus, it does not imply that the community of his disciples has no role to play in it. Instead, according to the Community Discourse (18:1-35), they have to participate in this mission by winning back their brothers and sisters who sin and also by forgiving one another.