What Do You Want Me to Do for You?

Whoa. Just gleaned a new nugget today at Bible Study. We are studying the book of Mark.

For context, Jesus had just told his disciples THREE TIMES about his coming death and resurrection. For the last several chapters, almost every teaching reiterated: "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."

Of course, the disciples are having serious difficulty comprehending all this; the Messiah they envisioned was one who would restore Israel to its former glory... not suffer and die as a servant.

And then we see Jesus pose this same question twice, to two different people. And the contrast in their responses is striking. “What do you want me to do for you?”

First he addresses James and John. These are his disciples who had been following him now for quite some time. And yet... they still see only dimly. “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." Then they come across blind Bartimaeus. Recognizing his need and Jesus’ power, he cries out for mercy. Now Jesus asks again: "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man, in humble faith, asks for restored sight.

After seeing this remarkable contrast, I had to ask myself: What is my answer to Jesus’ question “What do you want me to do for you?”

Is it a proud “Make people recognize me for all the sacrifices I’m making for them!” Or perhaps “Make my children obey me and make my life easier”? (Yikes, friends. Tell me I’m not the only one!)

OR is my answer a humble “Have mercy on me and provide for my needs because I know I can’t do it on my own”

May I have faith like Bartimaeus.