In Mark 10:46-52, we read the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting by the roadside as Jesus passed by. When he heard that Jesus was near, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many tried to silence him, but he shouted even louder. Jesus stopped, called him over, and asked a seemingly obvious question: “What do you want Me to do for you?”
At first glance, it might seem unnecessary for Jesus to ask this. Wasn’t it obvious that a blind man would want to see? But Jesus, in His wisdom, wanted Bartimaeus to express his need, to declare his faith, and to articulate his desire. Bartimaeus answered, “Rabbi, I want to see,” and immediately, Jesus restored his sight.
This question—“What do you want Me to do for you?”—is one Jesus still asks each of us today.
What Is Your Deepest Need?
If Jesus were standing in front of you right now, looking into your heart, how would you answer that question? Would you ask for healing? Restoration in your family? Guidance in a difficult decision? A fresh touch of His presence?
Sometimes, we don’t even know what we need most. We carry burdens, frustrations, and longings, but we never stop to bring them before Jesus in a clear, faith-filled way. Bartimaeus had no hesitation—he knew exactly what he wanted, and he asked boldly.
Are You Willing to Cry Out?
Bartimaeus didn’t let the crowd keep him from Jesus. He wasn’t concerned about what others thought. His need for Jesus was greater than his fear of embarrassment. How often do we let distractions, doubts, or even the opinions of others keep us from asking Jesus for what we truly need?
The truth is, Jesus already knows our needs before we ask (Matthew 6:8), but He invites us into a deeper relationship by calling us to bring our requests before Him. Just as Bartimaeus did, we must cry out, persist in faith, and trust that Jesus hears us.
What Is Your Response?
After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus didn’t just go back to his old life—he followed Jesus down the road. When Jesus moves in our lives, it’s not just for our comfort but for His glory. Are you willing to follow Him wherever He leads?
So, let me ask you today: What do you want Jesus to do for you? Take a moment to reflect, pray, and bring your request before Him in faith. And when He answers, follow Him with all your heart.
