What do you want me to do for you?

“‘What do you want me to do for you?’” (the Bible, Mark 10:51, NLT)

When Timaeus’ son was born, there was certainly a party in Jericho. His father, whose name means “highly esteemed,” had just had a son. He was given the name Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus. The family succession was assured. Alas, the party was short-lived…

It was soon discovered that Bartimaeus was blind. Instead of becoming a respected and esteemed man like his father, he became a beggar. What a tragedy! Bartimaeus was “lowly esteemed.” At least he was for part of his life. The years went by. Bartimaeus sometimes heard the sound of a coin falling into his beggar’s cup, his only sound of comfort.

Then one day, he heard another sound, that of a raucous crowd approaching. It was Jesus, who was passing by on the road. So Bartimaeus began shouting, “‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (see the story in Mark 10:46-52, NLT)

It’s as though he were saying, “You’re someone’s son, too, Jesus! You understand me.”

Many in the crowd wanted to silence him, but he shouted even louder, “‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’”

Jesus stopped and said, “‘Tell him to come here.’”

“‘Be of good cheer,’” they said. “‘Rise, He is calling you.’”

Bartimaeus took heart and threw aside his coat, his only possession of worth. Leaping up, he came to Jesus. His faith caused him to walk towards the Savior. 

Jesus answered and said to him, “‘What do you want me to do for you?’”

This is a crucial question. Jesus knew that Bartimaeus was blind and a beggar. Jesus knew his need. But He wanted Bartimaeus to express his faith, not for a few meager coins but for healing. Faith comes by hearing, and sometimes we need to hear our confession of faith proclaimed from our own mouths. If you confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth and believe in your heart…you will be saved. 

• “‘My Rabbi,’ Bartimaeus answered, ‘I want to see!’

• Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go, for your faith has healed you.’

• Instantly he could see, and he followed Jesus down the road.” (Mark 10:51-52)  

Jesus was the first person Bartimaeus ever saw in his whole life. Jesus restored Bartimaeus’ honor. And He does the same for you! You are the son/daughter of your highly honored Father. And from now on, this honor is for you.