What Do You Want?

Mark 10: 46-47, 49-52 ESV
“Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside.  And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 

And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.  And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”  And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.”

Blind Bartimaeus said, “Jesus, Son of David ( the lineage of King David), have mercy on me.” He confesses what the scriptures says about the Messiah, he would be in the lineage of King David and then he asks for mercy.

That was enough to get the attention of Jesus, who by the way, was heading to Jerusalem to be arrested and crucified.

Then Jesus asks something strange of Bartimaeus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus knew he was blind, Bartimaeus threw off his beggers coat, so Jesus knew he had nothing. Why ask him that question?

I think it’s a fair question. Bartimaeus could have asked for riches (carnal desire), he could have asked for someone to take care of him (companionship). But Bartimaeus went straight to what would give him life and worth, to receive his sight. At that, Bartimaeus was healed.

He had obstacles; he was blind, he was a begger, he had people trying to keep him quiet and hold him back. He was determined undaunted, unstoppable. He ask for mercy, and got it, he asked for his sight and received it.

Don’t let anyone hold you back, keep you down or tell you you’re not worthy. You are enough to stop the Master on His quest, to turn aside and give you what you need.

Prayer:
Lord, I know You know what I need most, but I believe You also want me to ask for the things that are best for me to live a happy, healthy, productive life through Jesus my Savior. I also need spiritual eyes to see what You would have me to do for Your glory!