“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

— Mark 10:51

As we look into this story again today, let’s focus on the question Jesus asks Bartimaeus, the man who is blind: “What do you want me to do for you?”

Since Bartimaeus has been begging by the roadside, we would expect him to ask for a handout—some bread or ­money, perhaps. But in response to Jesus’ question, the man is bold enough to ask for much more. He asks to be able to see—and that means he is asking to have his life completely changed.

How would you respond to Jesus’ question “What do you want me to do for you?”

We all could use a little help, or a little healing, or some additional resources to get us through another day, right? And surely we would be thankful for whatever help Jesus would give.

But let’s not forget who is asking. Just as Bartimaeus could see that Jesus was the Son of David, the promised deliverer who could make all things right, we need to see that Jesus is the Lord and Savior who ­offers us full, new life forever.

Jesus invites us to be honest about our greatest need: the mercy of God for sinners. So we need to ask him for forgiveness and new life, that we may serve with him forever.

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! In the richness of your grace and in the greatness of your love, grant me forgiveness and new life so that I may follow you. Amen.