Day 16 — “What Do You Want Me to Do?”

“‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ Jesus asked. ‘Rabboni,’ said the blind man, ‘let me see again.’ ‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”

— Mark 10:51–52 (BSB)

Bartimaeus was blind. He couldn’t work, so every day he sat by the side of the road outside the city of Jericho and begged for money. People walked past him all day long. Most of them probably didn’t even look at him.

One day, Bartimaeus heard a big crowd coming. Someone told him Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus. He knew Jesus had healed people. So he started shouting as loud as he could: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The people around him got annoyed. “Be quiet!” they told him. But Bartimaeus didn’t give up. He shouted even louder: “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

And Jesus stopped. The whole crowd stopped with Him. Jesus said, “Call him.” Bartimaeus threw off his cloak, jumped up and came to Jesus.

Then Jesus asked him a question: “What do you want Me to do for you?”

That’s an interesting question. Wasn’t it obvious? The man was blind! But Jesus wanted Bartimaeus to ask. So Bartimaeus said, “Let me see again.” And Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” Right away, Bartimaeus could see! And the first thing he did with his new eyes was follow Jesus down the road.

This story teaches us about prayer.

Don’t give up. People told Bartimaeus to be quiet, but he kept calling out. Sometimes it feels like our prayers aren’t working, but Jesus wants us to keep asking.

Be honest and specific. Jesus asked, “What do you want?” He wants you to tell Him what you really need, in your own words.

Jesus stops for you. In a huge crowd, Jesus stopped for one poor, blind beggar that everyone else ignored. He’s never too busy for you either.

And when Jesus answers your prayer, do what Bartimaeus did: follow Him.

Think about it: If Jesus asked you right now, “What do you want Me to do for you?” what would you say?

Try this: Answer Jesus’ question honestly in prayer today. Be specific. Then write it down so you can see how He answers.

Dear Jesus, thank You that You stop for people who call out to You. Thank You for asking what I need. Here’s what I want You to do for me: [tell Him]. Help me keep asking and never give up. And help me follow You wherever You go. In Your name, Amen.