What Do You Want Me to Do for You?
As Jesus made His way toward Jerusalem, He passed through Jericho. Along the roadside sat a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. While he could not see, he could hear. He heard the crowd. He heard the excitement. He heard one name repeated above all others:
Jesus.
Sensing an opportunity that might never come again, Bartimaeus cried out:
"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:47)
This was no casual title. "Son of David" was a declaration of faith. Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the promised King—the fulfillment of God's covenant with David, the One who would establish God's righteous rule. Long before his eyes were opened, his heart already saw something many others missed.
The crowd, however, wanted him silenced.
"Be quiet."
"Don't bother the Teacher."
"Don't embarrass yourself."
Yet Bartimaeus refused to be quiet. Mark's language suggests he kept crying out again and again:
"Son of David, have mercy on me!"
His persistence is striking. So is the crowd's response. The same people who tried to silence him quickly changed their tune when Jesus stopped and called for him. Human crowds can be remarkably fickle.
But Jesus is not.
Amid all the noise, Jesus heard one desperate voice.
He stopped.
He called Bartimaeus to Himself.
And then He asked a remarkable question:
"What do you want Me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51)
At first glance, the answer seems obvious. Bartimaeus was blind. Surely Jesus knew what he needed.
Yet Jesus invited him to name it.
To own it.
To articulate his deepest longing.
That question has stayed with me over the years.
Several years ago, I found myself in a season of deep discouragement. There was grief. There was disappointment. There was uncertainty. I was carrying burdens that seemed too heavy and questions that refused easy answers.
Perhaps you've been there.
Perhaps you are there now.
Maybe you feel emotionally exhausted, spiritually worn thin, discouraged, hurting, or simply out of strength.
In God's providence, I met with a wise counselor who listened carefully and understood my desire to honor Christ faithfully. During one of our conversations, he invited me to imagine myself standing on that dusty Jericho road.
The crowd fades away.
Jesus stands before me.
His eyes are filled with perfect love.
And He asks:
"What do you want Me to do for you?"
Not because He doesn't know.
But because He wants me to bring my heart honestly before Him.
It took me days to answer that question.
I prayed.
I searched the Scriptures.
I talked with Christa.
I shed tears.
I wrestled with my fears, my disappointments, my hopes, and my priorities.
Eventually, an answer emerged.
Perhaps you should give yourself permission to do the same.
Don't rush.
Pray.
Cry.
Grieve.
Listen.
Seek wisdom from Scripture and trusted friends.
Let Jesus' question settle deeply into your soul.
As I reflect on Bartimaeus and my own journey, several lessons remain with me.
1. Press Jesus for Mercy
Bartimaeus began with a simple prayer:
"Have mercy on me."
For centuries, Christians have prayed a similar prayer:
"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."
It is a beautiful place to begin. Mercy softens us. Mercy humbles us. Mercy reminds us that our greatest need is not achievement but grace.
2. Believe Jesus Matters
Bartimaeus believed Jesus could make a difference.
That faith fueled his persistence.
He refused to let the crowd have the final word.
Faith does not deny reality. It simply believes that Jesus has something to say about reality.
3. Own Your Answer
When Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted, Bartimaeus answered clearly:
"Rabbi, I want to see."
No vague language.
No hesitation.
Just honesty.
Years ago, my answer was different. I asked for strength of heart.
What is your answer?
If Jesus asked you today, what would you say?
4. Follow Where Jesus Leads
Bartimaeus received his sight, but the story does not end there.
Mark tells us that he followed Jesus on the road.
That is always the goal.
Not merely receiving God's gifts, but following God's Son.
After all, there is nothing Jesus cannot do. And there is nowhere better to be than on the road with Him.
So today, hear again the question Jesus asked beside the road in Jericho:
"What do you want Me to do for you?"
Take your time.
Answer honestly.
And then follow Him.
