Have you considered what it would be like for Jesus to ask you a question? Throughout the New Testament, Jesus often stopped people with key questions to get in touch with their desires. He is still doing that today. What would it be like for you if Jesus ask you the question, What do you want me to do for you?
Setting the scene
Imagination can play a big part in getting to know Jesus well and growing our spiritual life. Imagine yourself walking down a dusty road in the crowd with Jesus. Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, sits alongside the road. Put yourself in the following scene, with sights, sounds, even smells. Notice how Jesus reacts.
When Jesus and his disciples had passed through Jericho, a large crowd joined them. Upon leaving the village, they met a blind beggar sitting on the side of the road named Timai, the son of Timai. When he heard that Jesus from Nazareth was passing by, he began to shout “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me now in my affliction. Heal me!”
Those in the crowd were indignant and scolded him for making so much of a disturbance, but he kept shouting with all his might, “Son of David, have mercy on me now and heal me!”
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him to come to me.” So they went to the blind man and said, “Have courage! Get up! Jesus is calling for you!” So he threw off his beggars’ cloak, jumped up, and made his way to Jesus.
Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The man replied, “My Master,[please, let me see again!”
Jesus responded, “Your faith heals you. Go in peace, with your sight restored.All at once, the man’s eyes opened and he could see again, and he began at once to follow Jesus, walking down the road with him.
What Jesus didn’t do
According to Emily P Freeman, in her book The Next Right Thing,
….. He simply asked Bartimaeus a question, What do you want me to do for you? He didn’t scold him, give him a Bible, ask him to do a lot of things. He simply asked him a question.
What Bartimaeus did
Bartimaeu didn’t waver. He didn’t ask, “Well, what do you think I should want?” He was clear with his answer, “I want to see.” He knew his desire and stated it clearly to Jesus.
What Jesus did
He honored Bartimaeus request. However, the whole story that Jesus shares here is not necessarily about getting what you want with Him. It’s about knowing and honoring the desires of your heart, regardless of the outcome.
He wants us to bring our hearts to Him and talk things over with Him. Emily continues in her book about knowing our desires bring 3 things:
Knowing what we want:
- builds our confidence
- is a gift to the people we love
- lets us go in peace, regardless of the answer
Your turn to ask
If you turn to Jesus and hear Him say, “What do you want me to do for you?” how would you answer that question today? Take some time to ponder, then let Him know and see how He answers you. I believe we all would like to see Jesus helping us move forward.
I can’t wait to hear how He begins to move in your life.
Blessings,
Nancy
I want a close family and a better relationship with my son and daughter in law. I’ve prayed about this so much, nothing seems to change.
Ginny, I replied to you earlier but somehow it didn’t save. So hard when you don’t see any movement on your prayers. Praying with you as you wait for prayers to be answered.