What do you want? A simple question with a lot of intent. You’ve probably asked your kids a million times that very same demand. But what if you were the one being examined? How would you answer? Would your answer change if the questioner were Jesus? Let me share a couple of stories to illustrate my thought.
Andrew and John, two of Jesus’ future disciples, are following Jesus after hearing the revelation that he is the Lamb of God. They may not even understand why or have fully deciphered their purpose in checking him out when suddenly Jesus turns and asks, “What do you want?” (John 1:38).
Taken off guard, I imagine them glancing at each other and then answering with a quite unusual question, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” That seems like a weird response. But the message behind their question seems to radiate a desire to know him better. They want to know where he’s staying so they can spend time with him—maybe to see if he’s the one they’ve been praying and hoping would come soon. Jesus wants to know their intent. And he responds, “Come, and you will see.”
If Jesus asked you the same question, what would be your response? First and foremost, we should be seeking him because we want to know him more intimately. No ulterior motives or a litany of requests, but simply spending time in his presence. Sitting at his feet is what will change your world similar to how, after spending the day with Jesus, both of those men were sold out and followed Jesus along the dusty roads from town to town.
Jesus expands his question later in his ministry (Mark 10). As he approaches Jericho a blind man sitting beside the road hears the commotion of the crowd and asks what is happening. Once they respond that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, the blind man shouts, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Everyone starts shushing him, demanding he not bother Jesus. Not to be deterred, he exclaims louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Jesus stops and asks the beggar, “What do you want me to do for you?” To which he replies with a specific statement full of faith, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus heals him, and he immediately joins the parade of followers.
The blind man believed Jesus had the power, and he knew exactly what he needed from the Messiah. If Jesus is standing in front of you right now and asks you, “What do you want me to do for you?” how would you respond? We might all have on the tip of our tongue numerous requests, but what is the ONE thing? What do we want Jesus to do more than anything that we are willing to continually shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me”?
Since reading these verses, I’ve been pondering and praying about this. What do I want Jesus to do for me? Maybe it’s time for you to seek, question, and request. Jesus is passing by; are you ready to do some shouting?
About Shelley Pulliam
Howdy! (A girl from Oklahoma has to use this as her greeting) I’m Shelley Pulliam, executive director of Arise Ministries and former teacher of hormone-filled 8th graders. But my real claim to fame rests in my award as second grade spelling bee champ and my recent gun-handling skills as I train to competition shoot. It helps me be on guard when Satan comes knocking. I’m a voracious reader and can frequently be found at the theater enjoying movie marathons where my record stands at six in one day. I’m a single, never married, who loves to pour into children at every opportunity. Let me know if you have any for sale. You can connect with me on social media. https://www.instagram.com/shelleypulliam/