Embracing your identity in Christ

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be transformed by faith? To shed your old self and embrace a new identity? Yesterday, we looked at the profound changes that occur when we encounter Jesus and choose to follow Him.

Imagine a paralyzed man, unable to move, carried by his devoted friends to see Jesus. They're so determined to get him before the Messiah that they lower him through the roof of a packed house. Jesus, seeing their faith, does something unexpected. Instead of immediately healing the man's physical ailment, He declares, "Your sins are forgiven."

This moment reveals a crucial truth: while our physical needs are important, our spiritual needs are paramount. The root of all human suffering and struggle is sin. By addressing the man's spiritual condition first, Jesus demonstrates that true healing begins in the soul.

The religious leaders present were outraged, accusing Jesus of blasphemy. Only God can forgive sins, after all. But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, poses a question: "Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Rise and walk'?" Then, to prove His divine authority, He commands the paralytic to stand up and walk home – which the man does, to everyone's amazement.

This story challenges us to consider: what is our greatest need? Often, we focus on our immediate physical or material concerns. But Jesus shows us that our deepest need is for spiritual healing and reconciliation with God.

Next, we encounter Matthew, a tax collector despised by his fellow Jews for collaborating with the Roman occupiers. Jesus approaches him with two simple words: "Follow me." Remarkably, Matthew immediately leaves his lucrative but corrupt profession to become a disciple.

Matthew's transformation is so complete that he throws a dinner party, inviting his former colleagues and other "sinners" to meet Jesus. The religious elite are scandalized, asking, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus' response is profound: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

This scene beautifully illustrates the heart of Jesus' mission. He didn't come to congratulate the self-righteous, but to offer hope and redemption to those aware of their brokenness. It's a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

Matthew's story also highlights three key aspects of transformation that occur when we truly encounter Christ:

1. New Life: Just as the paralyzed man was given new life when he was given the ability to walk, those who put their faith in Jesus receive spiritual life. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" This new life isn't just about behavior modification; it's a fundamental change in our spiritual DNA.

2. New Name: While Matthew's given name didn't literally change, his identity did. No longer defined by his former occupation and reputation, he became known as a follower of Christ. This echoes God's promise in Revelation 2:17 to give believers "a white stone with a new name written on it." Our new identity in Christ supersedes all earthly labels and past mistakes.

3. New Purpose: Matthew's immediate response to his encounter with Jesus was to introduce others to Him. His purpose shifted from self-enrichment to advancing God's kingdom. Similarly, when we truly grasp what Christ has done for us, our priorities and goals are realigned with God's purposes.

These transformations aren't just ancient history – they're available to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus today. But this raises some challenging questions for those of us who claim to follow Christ:

- Does your life reflect the reality of being a new creation in Christ?
- How has your identity been reshaped by your relationship with Jesus?
- Are you living with a sense of divine purpose, or are you still primarily focused on your own agenda?

The story of Matthew also challenges our attitudes toward others. Are there people we avoid or look down upon, forgetting that they too need the grace and healing of Jesus? Christ calls us to see beyond surface-level judgments and recognize the universal human need for spiritual transformation.

Remember, Jesus didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners. That includes all of us. The good news is that no matter where we've been or what we've done, Jesus offers us the opportunity for a fresh start – a new life, a new name, and a new purpose.

As we reflect on these truths, let's consider how we can:

1. Embrace our new identity in Christ, letting go of old labels and self-perceptions that no longer define us.
2. Live out our new purpose by actively seeking ways to introduce others to Jesus, just as Matthew did.
3. See others through God's eyes, recognizing that everyone – even those we might be tempted to judge – needs the transforming love of Christ.

In closing, remember the words of Jesus: "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." This is a message of hope for all of us. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, Jesus is calling you to a life of purpose, identity, and transformation. Will you, like Matthew, choose to follow Him today?