In ancient times, the word “follow” did not simply mean “to walk behind.” It meant to listen to, to obey, and to live like the one you were following. It meant doing one’s best to emulate the one being followed. The goal is for the follower to eventually become just like the leader.
The only way to do that is to develop a relationship with that leader. This relationship would not simply be that of an acquaintance, but that of a best friend. It is a close and intimate relationship. And it is a two-way relationship. Not only does the follower follow, but is taken under the wing of the leader, who desires to teach as much as the other desires to learn.
What does it mean to follow Yeshua? Our sixteen-unit guide is based on the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5–7. Through these interactive lessons, you can discover who Yeshua is and learn what He is like. You can find out what trust in Yeshua means on a personal level and you will see just how Jewish the New Testament is, and how consistent Yeshua’s teachings are with Jewish faith.
You will also have access to interactive study questions, which will help you understand more about your own beliefs about God, the Bible, and Yeshua. Each three-video module can be viewed as a stepping stone on your journey of discovery. Take that first step today!
Follow Messiah includes 16 modules on many topics, including this one on forgiveness:
The lessons are the follows:
1. Putting things into perspective
What should a relationship with God be like? Learn from the Tanakh that God desires a relationship with us, and gain understanding of how that would impact your life.
2. Prayer
You will gain an understanding of prayer in the Tanakh, as well as what traditional prayer looks like in the synagogue. You will be challenged to pray personally to God and discover what attitudes we should have when coming before Him. You will also explore how to discern the answers to your prayers.
3. Yeshua
Compare the person of Yeshua in the Tanakh side by side with the B’rit Chadasha (New Testament). You will see His attributes revealed and the central teachings in the Tanakh that point to His being the Jewish Messiah.
4. The Holy Spirit
What does the Messiah teach about the Holy Spirit, and how does the Holy Spirit change our lives and transform us?
5. The Word of God
The Word of God is like God’s love letter to us—with this in mind, you will be challenged to see the Scriptures in this light. To help you on your journey, we will equip you with the tools you will need when reading the Bible and when you attend a regular worship service.
6. Jewish Identity
There are many different ideas of what it means to be Jewish, and undoubtedly Yeshua (Jesus) is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. However, you will hear from Jewish people who have come to believe that Yeshua and Judaism are intimately connected and interact with their stories.
7. The Blessed Life Part 1
We know that knowing Yeshua justifies us before the Father and secures us an eternal place in heaven, but can knowing Yeshua also bless us and make our lives better? Walking through life gives us many opportunities to stretch our faith and lean on the Lord, and you will find helpful instruction on how to do this.
8. The Blessed Life: Part 2
Continuing the previous lesson, you will receive more helpful instruction on how to keep your heart right with God, be a peacekeeper, and make the most out of both your weaknesses and your strengths.
9. Reflect on the Kingdom of God
You are called to a higher, biblical standard of living, though you live in a world that does not have the same standard. How do you do that? A humorous video illustration helps impress upon you how you can best live your live, being salt of the earth and a bearer of light.
10. Yeshua and the Torah
Does believing in Yeshua mean that you must now completely disregard the Tanakh (Old Testament) and throw away the Torah? Heaven forbid! But this part of the journey breaks down what the Mosaic law was meant to accomplish in our lives and how Yeshua Himself related to the Torah.
11. Forgiveness
Why is it important to forgive others? Discover how to lean into faith so you can forgive and leave people and situations in God’s hands.
12. The Heart of Worship
Do you know anyone who shows off during worship? Or do you ever feel like worship is too much of a glamorous music concert? Delve into what worship from the heart looks like and how you can worship in “spirit and truth.”
13. Trusting God
Discerning when to apply judgement and mercy in your life is always difficult. Investigate when to step in and correct and when to be merciful and leave the correction up to the Lord.
14. Judgement and Mercy
Discerning when to apply judgement and mercy in your life is always difficult. Investigate when to step in and correct and when to be merciful and leave the correction up to the Lord.
15. The Way, the Truth, the Foundation
How do you bear spiritual fruit in your life? Learn why it is impossible to do so in your own strength. You can begin to understand how to build your life on a firm foundation. This path will encourage you to walk according to faith and not by sight.
16. The Essential Community
All human beings are built for love and connection, and we grow in relationship to one another. Therefore, it is no surprise that the Lord instructs us not to forsake the fellowship of other believers. You will learn why this is so important, what the benefits are of being in community, and how to continue your journey from here!
