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

About this episode

Steve Wood highlights the significance of the name Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew and emphasizes the importance of grace in Christian living.

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. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

People in this episode

Host: Steve Wood

Topics covered

• Gospel of Matthew
• Jesus
• forgiveness of sins
• grace
• Christian living

Keywords

• YHWH saves
• New Covenant
• spiritual burnout
• families
• children

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Bible for Catholics

Books & works: the Gospel of Matthew

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• Episode 577 - The Way to Change the World: Discipleship · March 26, 2026 · 15 min
• Episode 576 - How to Face Serious Temptation · March 19, 2026 · 15 min
• Episode 575 - Christian Children: Jr. Pharisees or Children of God? · March 13, 2026 · 15 min