What Do You Want?
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Mark 10:51
Bartimaeus was in the dark, a blind man who had to beg—until the day Jesus came by on His way to be crucified in Jerusalem (Mark 10:32-34).
Shouting above the crowd, Bartimaeus called to the Savior, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” People told him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Graciously Jesus responds, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus had just asked James and John the same question (Mark 10:36). They had said they wanted places of honor in heaven with Jesus. And He replied, “You don’t know what you are asking.” The disciples did not yet understand that the Kingdom of God is not like the kingdom of this world that is largely about power and self-promotion. The disciples were still in the dark.
But Bartimaeus only pleads, “Rabbi, I want to see.” And Jesus does not disappoint him. Bartimaeus knew what he needed; Jesus’ followers wouldn’t see the true way of Jesus until later, when they saw the beauty of His sacrifice and self-giving love.
This incident has raised a question ever since: Who is truly blind, anyway? And after Jesus restored Bartimaeus’ sight and sent him on his way, the man saw what he must do next. He followed Jesus.
Christ’s question echoes through history: “What do you want me to do for you?” How would you answer Jesus’ question?
Lord Jesus, help us to follow in Your way; the way of humility and self-giving. More than anything, may we want You. In your holy name, Amen.