Musings: What do you want me to do for you?

Friends,

I recently shared a devotion with our Cullman ladies from Mark 10:46-52. The impact of a simple question Jesus asks lingers with me.

“Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.

But he only shouted louder. “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”

So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!” Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.

I love that God’s Word is sacred, holy, and timeless! The following are a few observations and questions for pondering and reflection:

Bartimaeus was at the right place to encounter Jesus.
- Do I make space in my day to encounter Jesus? What does that space look like?
The crowds tried to keep him from reaching out to Jesus.
- Are there toxic people in my life who hinder or ridicule my walk with Jesus?
Bartimaeus persisted.
- Am I “giving up” or “pressing in” for what I need from Jesus?
Jesus stopped, called Bartimaeus, and plainly asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”
- Pause here to answer the simple question Jesus asks you today…“What do you want me to do for you?”

Jesus already knew Bartimaeus’ need, but there is something about speaking, confessing, crying out…that activates our faith and makes it possible to encounter Jesus face to face!