“What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51)

This is the question that Jesus asked Bartimaeus, a blind man sitting beside the road outside of Jericho as Jesus passed by.   “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me,” yelled Bartimaeus.  Those nearby rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the louder, “Son of David have pity on me.”

Mark reports that in spite of the large crowd and the efforts to suppress Bartimaeus’ shouts, Jesus stopped.  Though he could see that Bartimaeus was blind, he did not presume to act on his need.  Instead, Jesus asked what it was that he wanted him to do.

What an amazing moment for Bartimaeus!  He knew his need – “Master, I want to see.”  Jesus granted his request.  “Go, your faith has saved you,” and immediately Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus. (Mark 10:46-52)

If you were able to meet Jesus face to face, how would you respond to his question, “What do you want me to do for you?” 

Last week while at the beach, I came down with a serious bronchial infection that left me constantly coughing day and night.  After returning home, I have been to my doctor’s office three days in a row to receive various antibiotics, and treatments to clear my lungs.   Family and friends have been praying for healing as I have as well.  I am confident that God will answer our prayers.  

We may not always know what our true need is.  Our physical needs are usually more obvious, but sometimes we need other things such as help in giving up a particular sin, or offering and receiving forgiveness.  Sometimes we ask for the wrong things, like James and John asking to sit at Jesus’ right and left hand when he came into his glory.

Solomon asked for wisdom instead of riches and God gave him both.  I have never asked God for money or position, but he has more than provided for the needs of our family. I have made countless requests for my wife, children, grandchildren, and friends, and many of those requests have been answered. 

What do you want Jesus to do for you?