Digging Deeper: What Do You Want Jesus to do for You?
51 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.”
Mark 10:51 (ESV)
WHAT DO YOU WANT JESUS TO DO FOR YOU?
Growing up watching movies and shows like Aladdin and The Fairly OddParents, I believed that by this point in my life, there would be at least one opportunity to have a wish granted. I’m sure many of you played the same game I did growing up—if you were given three wishes right now, what would you wish for?
In our story from Sunday, a blind beggar is faced with that very opportunity, but he doesn’t have a genie in front of him. He has the God of the universe.
Bartimaeus had been crying out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” because he knew of Jesus’ power. Jesus acknowledged him and asked him to come over. Bartimaeus threw off his cloak and ran to Jesus. Then, the moment finally arrived—he was face to face with Jesus (though still unable to see Him due to his blindness). And Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Imagine that—the God of the universe, who is far more powerful than any genie or fairy, asks Bartimaeus what he would like to happen. This decision was an easy one for him because he had probably thought every day about what it would be like to see again. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t bargain. He simply asked.
This verse is intentionally placed here to contrast Bartimaeus’ request with that of James and John in verses 35–37:
“35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.’ 36 And he said to them, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ 37 And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’”
These two disciples of Jesus were concerned with the glory and honor they could receive because they believed Jesus would establish an earthly, political kingdom. They wanted immediate attention and status. Bartimaeus, on the other hand, simply wanted to see again—so that he could give glory to God.
Even the way these men asked shows a major distinction. James and John told Jesus to do whatever they asked. Bartimaeus, however, humbled himself multiple times by crying out to Jesus. James and John approached Jesus out of pride, but Bartimaeus sought Jesus out of humility.
Let me ask you—if you had the opportunity to ask for one thing, what would it be? I pray that it wouldn’t be something as trivial as a little more money, comfort, or security. I want to encourage you to truly think about this: What is the one thing in my life that would be a miracle? What is something I physically cannot do in my own strength? What is something that only the God of the universe could accomplish?
When you determine what that is for you, I challenge you to pray for it daily. Believe God for it. But as we learned from James and John, seek God for it out of humility, not self-interest. And above all, may your greatest desire not just be for what Jesus can do for you—but for Jesus Himself.
Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.