What Do You Want?
(Jesus) asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
Luke 18:40b
One of the most thought-provoking questions asked by Jesus is recorded in Luke’s gospel: “What do you want me to do for you?” Take a look at the context of the question.
Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Luke 18:35-43
In one sense the question seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, Jesus asks the question of a blind man. The man wants his sight, of course.
So why does Jesus ask the question?
Because, apparently, asking the Lord specifically for something was an exercise of faith. And that faith was rewarded. We see that in the last paragraph: “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.”
Be Specific
Jesus wants to know what we want so He can give it to us.
Yet here’s the sad truth: If Jesus were to ask the average person, “What do you want me to do for you?” I bet nine out of ten would have a hard time answering that question.
Why? Because we’re out of touch with what we really want.
And because we are, we pray in vague generalities that are pretty much impossible to answer:
“Be with everyone, God.”
“Bless the church, Lord.”
“Help my kids, Jesus.”
Perhaps this was on the Apostle James’ mind when he wrote, “You have not because you ask not.” It’s a reminder to ask specifically so that God can answer specifically.
And it lets us know that the flip side is no less true: If we fail to ask specifically, God won’t be able to answer specifically.
An Exercise in Faith
Naming what you want…stating clearly what you are asking for…is an exercise of faith. For in so doing, you are declaring that you believe Jesus is able to do BIG things.
Asking the Lord specifically for something is an exercise of faith. For in so doing, you are declaring that you believe Jesus is able to do BIG things.
If you don’t know what you want, how are you going to know when you get it? And, that being the case, you won’t be able to glorify God for it.
Consider your prayer petitions. Are they specific? Are they passionate? Are they faith-filled? These are the prayers the Savior loves to answer – just like with the blind man.
Maybe it’s time to take inventory. What do you want the Lord to do for you?
PRAYER
Lord, all too often I lament the lack of specific answers to my prayers. But could it be this isn’t due to God’s nonperformance but my negligence? Help me ask boldly and specifically that I may receive wondrously.
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