'What do you want me to do for you?'Jesus asked him.
Mark 10:51 NIV
One of Jesus’ favorite questions is “What do you want?” Many times we don’t know what we want, and Jesus challenges us to clarify.
Years ago I had eye surgery. In the middle of the procedure the doctor said, “Raquel, there is a problem, and your right eye will be affected.” Leaving the hospital that day the desire of my heart was to meet Jesus and hear Him ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” Have you ever been in such a situation, when your heart looked for an answer?
When I read the story of blind Bartimaeus, I find it fascinating that Jesus asks him what he wants. I think the answer is so obvious: the blind man would want to see! Don’t you think that was obvious to Jesus? Receiving his sight also meant a total lifestyle change for Bartimaeus. He would have to change everything – no more begging, a real job, and his eyes opened in many other ways. But why does Jesus ask the obvious? I can think of two reasons: (1) to energize faith and cause it to be vocalized, and (2) to help the person determine what he wants from Jesus.
When God asked Solomon what he wanted, he chose wisdom. This was bigger than wealth, loads of wives, or favor among all the other kingdoms around him. But he ended up with all those things in addition to the wisdom.
I expect Bartimaeus served as a tremendous encouragement to others. When newcomers asked about Jesus, the disciples pointed to Bartimaeus and said, “Jesus healed him of blindness, you know!” Full of praise to God, Bartimaeus brought glory to Jesus.
Bartimaeus’ healing is a powerful example of how it pleases Jesus for our faith to see its opportunity, grasp it, and refuse to let it go until we receive what we need from God. Who would have thought this beggar would become a giver? What can your faith help you become?
What about letting God ask you that same question: What do you want Me to do for you? Search your heart of hearts. What do you really want God to do? Tell Him: trust Him!
If we come before God as the broken beggars we are, we can trust that Christ will restore our vision, and, like Bartimaeus, we will see God. As you face this day, remember that Jesus is near. He asks you today, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Do you have the answer?
Renew ©2011 Review and Herald Publishing Association