Longing to See the Messiah: Lessons from Zakkai
- Rabbi Andrew
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
In July 2024, a man named Robert Schock set out for what he thought would be a simple day hike in Washington’s North Cascades. But with wildfires altering the terrain and his phone battery dead, he soon became lost. For 30 days he wandered the wilderness, surviving on mushrooms and berries, until volunteers finally heard faint cries for help and rescued him.
Stories like this remind us how easy it is to get disoriented, to lose our way, and how powerful it is when someone comes searching for us. That’s exactly what we see in Luke 19, in the story of Zakkia (Zacchaeus) — a man who thought he was searching for the Messiah, only to discover that the Messiah was already searching for him.
The Curiosity That Seeks
Zakkai was a chief tax collector, wealthy but despised by his community. His very name, Zakkai — meaning “innocent” or “pure” — seemed ironic for a man who grew rich by taking from others.
And yet, something stirred in him. He had heard about Yeshua’s teachings and miracles — perhaps even the healing of Bartimaeus just outside Jericho. Short in stature, unable to see over the crowd, Zakkai climbed a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse.
How many people today are like Zakkai? Intrigued by Yeshua, willing to look from a distance, but not yet ready to draw close.
The Call by Name
Then the moment came. Yeshua stopped beneath the tree, looked up, and called, “Zakkai, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).
It wasn’t Zakkai who first found Yeshua. It was Yeshua who saw him — and called him by name.
This is the pattern of redemption: while we search from afar, God is already searching for us. While we try to figure out if His words are true, He is already "knocking on the door" our hearts.
A Life Transformed
Zakkai hurried down and welcomed Yeshua with joy. The crowd grumbled, unable to see past his past. But something had shifted. Zakkai responded with repentance: giving half his wealth to the poor and promising restitution fourfold to anyone he had cheated.
This was no shallow curiosity. This was teshuvah — true repentance, expressed in action. And Yeshua declared, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:9–10).
What It Means for Us
Like Zakkai, many today are curious but cautious. They climb their own “sycamore tree,” content to observe from a distance. But Yeshua calls us down, calls us by name, and calls us home.
Here are a few ways this story speaks to us today:
Hear His Voice (Shema): Don’t just watch from afar. Quiet your heart and listen for His call.
Respond with Joy: Zakkai didn’t hesitate. He welcomed Yeshua gladly. We are called to receive Him with joy.
Live Out Redemption: Repentance shows itself in action. What step of restoration is God inviting you to take this week?
Celebrate Salvation: Rejoice in what God has done for you — and share that joy with others.
A Prayer to Close
Avinu Malkeinu, our Father and King, thank You that while we were searching for You, You were already seeking us. Thank You for calling us by name and bringing salvation into our lives through Yeshua. Help us to listen and obey, to welcome You with joy, and to walk in repentance that shines with Your light. In Yeshua’s name, Amen
Shalom and Toda Rabbi for sealing the words in our Hearts with these Messages sometimes it is so easy to forget with everything that is happening in our world today .. Blessings ..Shabbat shalom .