Truly following Christ transforms us - not just what we know or how we think, but how we live our day-to-day lives in real, practical ways. In him, we find our new self, created to reflect God’s image. This is a call to put off the old self and live in the new identity we have in Christ. As we continue to walk with him throughout the course of our lives, we are transformed into the person God created us to be, finding our true identity and purpose in Him.

Jesus not only calls us to follow but also shows us how to walk in his steps, at his pace. This message explores how our identity in Christ is shaped by walking in his ways, even through suffering and sacrifice, by imitating His example of love, humility, and obedience to the Father.

Jesus calls ordinary people to follow him, leaving their nets and pasts behind. This is the starting point for discovering our true identity — our journey begins when we answer the call to follow Christ, leaving behind our old identity and embracing a new life in him.

People expected the Messiah to associate with the religious elite and those in power. Instead, Jesus spent time with the marginalized, such as tax collectors, sinners, and the poor, demonstrating that God’s love extends to everyone.

Some expected the Messiah to be a wealthy, powerful ruler who would live in splendor. Yet Jesus was born in a humble stable, lived a life of poverty, and taught that true greatness comes through serving others.

Many Jews believed the Messiah would come solely for the Jewish people and their nation. But the truth is that Jesus came to offer salvation to all people, regardless of ethnicity or nationality, fulfilling God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham.

Many expected the Messiah to be a political leader or warrior who would overthrow Roman rule, establish an earthly kingdom and restore Israel to its former glory. Yet Jesus’ mission was not to establish an earthly kingdom through force, but to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and death, offering spiritual redemption and eternal life.