the kingdom become a reality. Thus, anticipating his death, Jesus says to the disciples, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (26:28). We encounter in Matthew an agenda for Jesus that far transcends the interpretation of the Torah. For this reason, despite its partial truth, this statement by Saldarini is hardly correct: “Faithful adherence to an interpretation of all the commandments that stresses justice and mercy is the core of Jesus’ message