Luke 18:41

“What do you want Me to do for you?”

May 29

As I was reading Luke 18 today I realized maybe I had it wrong. Near the end of the Chapter, we read about Jesus approaching Jericho. Bartimaeus was a blind man sitting by the side of the road begging. This was his only option in life because as a blind man he could do nothing else. He heard a crowd of people passing by and asked what all the commotion was about. Someone told him it was Jesus of Nazareth. He had never seen Jesus or the miracles he had done, Bartimaeus had only heard the stories, but he started calling out for Jesus. “Jesus, Son of David, Have Mercy on me,” The people leading the way sternly told him to be quiet, but he just got louder. When Jesus heard him he asked for the people to bring Bartimaeus to Him. Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus simply said “Lord I want to regain my sight.” So Jesus did what he asked. Bartimaeus could now see! Somehow when I would read this story I had always heard the tone of Jesus sternly, a little short, impatient and maybe irritated at the interruption. I think I have always read it that way. It wasn’t until Jesus told me to slow down and read it again. “Do you think I would use that tone?” He seemed to say. I realized maybe I was wrong. Jesus always has compassion for the weak. So much compassion He died for us. So I re-read it several times, listening for the compassion and patience in His voice. I could see Him bending down and asking Bartimaeus the question with such love. Then I heard Him asking me, “What do you want Me to do for You?” My response was simple, “Just You, to be filled with You, filled to overflowing. But for Sarah and Michael, heal them.” I love when He straightens out my thinking. I love it when he reminds me of who He is. He is truth and He is Love.