Spiritual hunger can come from many things. Serving as a Jews for Jesus missionary for many years, I’ve seen a whole spectrum. Though the people I’ve ministered to have Jewish backgrounds in common and go through similar life stages, it’s their unique lived experience that sparks the beginning of their spiritual journeys.
But if there’s so much diversity in the paths to Jesus, is there any underlying similarity that unites spiritually hungry seekers? From what I’ve seen, the answer is simple: They do whatever it takes.
Recently, I met with a young Jewish man in his late 20s who shared his testimony with me. He had been part of our shabbat community with his wife for about a year or so, but I hadn’t heard his story yet. He told me: ‘Before meeting Jesus, my life was so riddled with anxiety that my older brother saw it as well worth the risk of angering me by telling me about Jesus. His life had been transformed in the short time since he put his faith in Him, and he said that Jesus could help with my anxiety too.’
Hearing that brought to mind a few other stories of young Jewish people’s journeys to faith that I’ve heard and even been blessed to be part of.
There was Noa*, who found Jesus while exploring Judaism in college; Olivia*, who spent her gap year between high school and university searching through competing worldviews before landing on Jesus; and Brandon*, in his 30s, who chased thrills and spirituality until Jesus broke through the darkness.
People who are drawn by the Lord will invest their time, seek answers, take chances and risk personal embarrassment. Maybe their journey begins slowly with a casual search for truth, meaning or help with their problems – but it will end with a wholehearted determination.
Think of the story of Zaccheus from Luke 19. As a tax collector, Zaccheus was a hated outsider in his own community. And as a man of short stature, he was unable to see through a crowd. But when Jesus came to his neighbourhood, he wouldn’t let that hold him back. Luke 19:4 tells us Zaccheus ran ahead and climbed a tree. He was willing to endure embarrassment and ridicule to know whether Jesus was truly Israel’s promised Messiah.
Like Zaccheus, the young people I mentioned above refused to ignore their spiritual hunger. They asked questions, searched for answers and followed the evidence that eventually led them to Yeshua. One way or another, they were determined to see Him for themselves. And like with Zaccheus, Jesus extended His grace, compassion and presence into their lives.
These four young Jewish adults hadn’t done anything to earn God’s love or favour. Yeshua extends it to them, seeing their hunger – before they’ve been obedient. And after meeting Jesus, their lives are fully transformed by His continued grace.
Today, many young people are on similar journeys. Pray that God would stir a hunger to do whatever it takes to see Messiah and that He will meet them with the same grace that transformed these lives.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.