WHAT DO YOU WANT?

"‘And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight." (Mark 10:16-52)

Jesus had been to Jericho, and was on His way out of the city "with His disciples and a great number of people." Along the roadside, a blind man named Bartimaeus sat, "begging." Luke says when this man heard the multitude passing "he asked what it meant" (Lk 18:35). The people told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by" (Lk 18:37, NIV). It was a momentous occasion, indeed, and Bartimaeus knew it.

Upon hearing "that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me." He knew about this Man! The people told him it was Jesus from Nazareth, but Bartimaeus knew He was "the Son of David," whose kingdom God had promised to establish (2 Sam 12:12-13; Psa 89:5-6; 132:11; Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5; Amos 9:1). His was a remarkable bit of insight lacking by the religious elite of his day.

His cries irritated those who were leading the way for Jesus, so they "rebuked him," telling him to "be quiet" (Lk 18:39). But blind Bartimaeus paid no attention to the would-be silencers. Instead, the Scripture affirms, "he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me" (Mk 10:48), apparently increasing his cry in both sound and content. How distracting to religious professionals!

His cries did, however, get the attention of Jesus. The procession was brought to a grinding halt as Jesus "stood still and commanded him to be called." Now the ones who tried to silence Bartimaeus called to him saying, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you" (NIV). The eager man wasted no time. "Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus"(NIV)). Who can fathom the joy of that moment?

It was then that Jesus asked this pertinent question. "What do you want Me to do for you?" How will the blind man answer? Since he was begging, will he ask for some alms like the beggar did of Peter and John (Acts 2:2-3)? Perhaps a good sized gift? Indeed not! He knew this was the promised "Son of David." He would not ask of Him what others could give. Instead he would ask for something only the Son could give. "Lord, that I might receive my sight." The Lord Jesus was glorified in the request itself. It drew attention to Who He was, and what He came to do.

Jesus did not hesitate, but honored the man's remarkable faith. "And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." Bartimaeus responded appropriately. "And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." What a day that proved to be for blind Bartimaeus.

For those with ears to hear, Jesus is still asking, "What do you want me to do for you?" Remember, not everyone received from Jesus what they asked (Lk 12:13-14; Mk 10:37-38; Matt 8:21,22). If your request is prompted by an understanding of Who Jesus is and by unwavering faith, you have every reason to expect an answer. "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be delivered" (Joel 2:32). Those who ask receive, and those who seek will find (Matt 7:8). Be bold in your approach, drawing near "with a true heart, in full assurance of faith" (Heb 10:22). Your sensitivity to the presence of the Lord should prompt a fervent request for mercy in needed areas. You do not need to live without mercy when the Lord Jesus Christ is near!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to see what I need the most, then to ask for it in faith.

-- Monday: CALLED INTO INVOLVEMENT --