Episode 573 - The Most Important Word In the Gospel of Matthew

In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood highlights the most important word in the Gospel of Matthew: Jesus. Drawing from Matthew 1:21, Steve explains that the name Jesus—meaning “YHWH saves”—summarizes the heart of the Gospel and the New Covenant.

This episode emphasizes two essential truths: forgiveness of sins is central, and Jesus does the saving—we do not save ourselves. Steve warns against reducing Christianity to moral effort or self-salvation and shows how forgetting the primacy of grace can lead to spiritual burnout, especially for families and children. Referencing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, he underscores that authentic Christian living flows from Christ working in us.

A powerful reminder to keep Christ—not performance—at the center of faith, catechesis, and daily life.

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