What Do You Want Me to Do for You
“Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.” Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus. “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”
— Mark 10:49-52 (BSB)
Jericho was the last big town on the pilgrim road to Jerusalem, and before Passover that road could be packed. For a beggar this was the best spot of the year. Mark gives his name, Bartimaeus, which is rare among the people healed in his book. A moment earlier the crowd had told him to be quiet, and he shouted all the louder. A beggar's cloak was his blanket at night and probably the place where people threw coins, so he left behind the most valuable thing he had before anything had happened. A few lines earlier Jesus asked exactly the same question of two of his disciples, and they asked for places of honour in his kingdom. The blind man asks for something quite simple. Jesus could see he was facing a blind man, and he asks anyway. He wants to hear the request from the person, not only to guess the need.
Nobody likes asking for something specific, not even from God. You pray: give health, help me, look after us, bless. That is safe, because if nothing happens there is nothing to be disappointed about. A specific request is a risk: let the operation go well, let this debt end, let me get this job, let the fear that comes back in the evening go away. Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted, though he could see perfectly well. That question is for you today too. Nobody promises you will get exactly what you ask for, but you are allowed to say it.
Say what you want
- 1Sit down for a moment today and answer Jesus' question: what do you want me to do for you? Say it out loud in one sentence, with no generalities: not help me, but exactly with what, when and for whom. Say it once and add no disclaimers.
- 2If you cannot name anything for yourself, ask someone close to you in the same words: what do you want me to do for you? Then do it.
Lord Jesus, I usually ask in general terms so I will not be disappointed. You are asking me what I want, so I will answer. You know before I say it, and you still want to hear it. Give me the nerve to ask directly and to trust you with the answer. Amen.
I answer Jesus out loud today with what I really want.
Why does Jesus ask when he can see the man is blind?
The text does not explain, but a few lines earlier he asks two disciples the same thing and they ask for places of honour. The answer shows what a person really wants.
What did a cloak mean to a beggar?
It was his blanket at night and probably the place where people threw coins. He left it behind before anything had happened.
Will I get what I ask for?
The text does not promise that. It says Jesus stops and asks. Today's step ends with your request, and the answer stays with him.