Living 4 Him

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:47

In 33 years of teaching, I asked a lot of questions.  And I had many questions asked in return.  Questions became one of my favorite tools for thinking.  I loved open ended questions that allowed my students to search their minds for possibilities.  Questions that had only one answer were favored as well since they led the students to understand an important truth. 

In my mind, a silly question did not exist. Questions were a sign of thinking. 

I think Jesus liked questions, too.  He asked many questions during his ministry, and in my scripture reading over the years I have noticed that he ALWAYS answered questions when they were asked of him. 

From time to time, we will examine questions Jesus asked and glean meaning for our own lives.  This week we visit Mark 10, where Jesus twice asks the question, “What do you want me to do for you?”

In the first instance, James and John, disciples of Jesus, have a request of Jesus and to gain more information, Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:36

The second time, a blind man in Jericho, Bartimaeus, is calling to Jesus for mercy.  When Jesus invites the man over, he also asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10:51

With these words, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus shows a desire to connect with these people in a personal way.  By knowing what they want him to do, he can enhance their lives through his service. 

Relationships develop when people share personal needs. Jesus asks the same rapport-building question to his disciples whom he knows well and Bartimeaus whom he has just met.  From this discovery, we take away the understanding that caring, helping and loving begin with a personal connection; a connection not just reserved for those we know, but also those we encounter. 

When I hear Jesus ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” I see a vision of his arms open wide, ready to help.  This image is powerful, especially when we take our needs to God in prayer.  God, through his Son Jesus, has formed a relationship with us that starts with personal concern. 

What do we want God to do for us?  This question would be answered differently by everyone because we are unique creations of God.  We have individual emotional needs, spiritual needs, and physical needs.  Patiently and with great love, God stands by ready to listen and help with each one.  Opening our hearts in an honest, trusting manner leads to the deepest prayers of our souls. 

Relationships are not one-sided.  God relates to us and our response to him could be the same question.  “What do you want me to do for you?”  God’s requests may look something like this:

Trust me. 

Carry my word in your heart.

Love my children.

Pray for your enemies.

Guard your heart.

The individual circumstances we live will determine God’s answer.

What do you want me to do for you?  May these words enhance your relationship with God, your relationship with family and friends, and your relationship with anyone you encounter.

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):  Read Mark 10: 35-52 for an complete account of Jesus’ questions. 

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  During prayer times this week, begin your time by answering Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” Then end your time by asking God the same question.  Listen for his response in quiet reflection and as you go about the rest of your day.