What do you want me to do for you?
Mark 10:35-52
Last week we celebrated Easter and what it meant. It was a celebration of what Jesus has already done for all of us and more importantly for all of mankind. We celebrated the proof and the promises and how we normally recognize Jesus traveling with us at the end of the journey.
Was that, enough? Is what Jesus died for - enough for us?
Personally, I notice in my prayer life that I call out to Jesus, asking for his attention to many situations I know about and even some that involve me. I ask for wisdom, strength, health and peace of myself and others.
And this week one question kept running though my mind. What do you want me to do for you? I felt like Jesus was addressing me like he does so many times in the Bible. It made me feel a little uncomfortable. I guess that I would have similar feeling if an important person noticed me a stopped to speak or find out who I was.
I felt a little unworthy, like I was interrupting something. In my prayers I start babbling about worldly problems and needs, High and important stuff far from me. And then the words come again, What do you want me to do for you?
I realize that he is not asking about the world or community he is asking about ME. What can he do for ME!
The fireman was sitting by the phone when it rang. He picked it up and said, “Fire department!” The woman on the other end said, “SEND A FIRE TRUCK!” and hung up.
He waited, not sure what to do, and the phone rang again. He picked it up, said “Fire department.” The woman said, “SEND A FIRE TRUCK NOW!!” Then she hung up.
He waited, and this time he was ready. The phone rang, and he picked it up and said, “Where’s the fire?” The woman said, “It’s in the kitchen!” and hung up!
In our scriptures this morning the common theme is one question from Jesus to specific people. As I spent time this week preparing for the message today I realized that each time Jesus asks a question of the people around him… He already knows the answer. He already knows how he will respond. In fact he does not seem shocked by the questions.
Let me read the first section:
Mark:10:35-37
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”
“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
The bigger picture of this is that Jesus had just explained that the Son of man will be betrayed and die and rise again in three days. They were on the way back to Jerusalem for the last time. It says that Jesus was leading them and some were afraid.
Then it seems that these two disciples, brothers, left the crowd following Jesus and came along side of him and made a request.
When my kids come to me they often ask a question or make a request like theirs, the red flags start waving. The early warning system goes off indicating that someone is trying to take advantage of my good nature. They want something and it is probably expensive in one way or another.
When Jesus responds he answers with a question. He does not just say yes or no but puts a reservation on his reply.
“What do you want me to do for you?”
They ask for the places of honor at Jesus Right and left when he comes into his glory.
When I read this my first thought is, “What bozos, they have not learned a thing about how Jesus and the kingdom work.” I think again about how little they seek to know after being in his company for three years.
In a small way, I start comparing some of my thoughts and ideas to theirs and realize that they might seem just as selfish and unspiritual. I have been walking with Jesus for some 30 years, on and off and I wonder why I don’t seem to get it or perhaps I think I have a great idea and think that God and Jesus should do it my way. I guess I am an even bigger bozo in reality.
Jesus does not seem to get angry with their request. He tells them that they don’t understand and then asked them an additional question. Can they drink from the same cup and share the same baptism?
Some people have faith in Jesus which is great except that they believe that their faith will buy them something today. There are many Christians that believe that their life will be blessed with success and money and comfort. They believe that all will go well because of their faith. They tend to believe that Jesus offers promises for this world. The promises from God and Jesus are for the next world. When we become a follower of Christ thought faith we are more likely to face problems that a perfect life because if you commit to living for Jesus Christ you are agreeing to go where he says go and do what he ask you to do.
He offers only the basics to believers in this life. Daily bread, forgiveness of sins, deliverance from evil….I can’t recall a single instance where Jesus offers mounds f cash or personal power. His touch in this world is to build up the faithful, the take weakness and turn it into strength.
When he ask us what can we do for us, he is asking for us to share our weakness and needs that we might be made ready to serve and not to be served ourselves. That sounds like a crummy deal….but, only if you place little or no value in the promises of the next world.
The story continues as Jesus and the disciples were leaving Jericho, still on the trip to Jerusalem. They are about 10 to 15 miles from Jerusalem. The number of people on the road as large as many people were on the way to celebrate Passover. Jesus and his disciples were exiting the city. Along the roads in the city there were beggars. They would have congregated along this road because the number of people on vacation so to speak would give them extra income. On of them was named Bartimaeus. There must have been an extra crowd walking along with Jesus. The commotion gets attention. And When Bartimaeus finds out who is passing by he shouts to get attention and it works.
Let me re-read the next place again:
Mark 10:49-51
Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.
“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
This has less of a feel of sneaky stuff happening, less me for my personal benefit. Bartimaeus, moves to Jesus calling out for mercy. Jesus hears him and calls to the beggar.
He threw his cloak aside. That would be the piece of cloth that he held out to catch the coins that people would toss to him. He could feel them hit and find them before a sighted beggar took it from him. By tossing the cloak aside he is already confident that his life will be changed. He will not need what little he has at the moment.
How often in our prayers do we ask or healing, or help and not have any expectation that we will be heard and action taken on our behalf.
Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” This is exactly the same question that he used when his disciples came to him. Bartimaeus answer is simple and it is his most desperate need. He is asking for something that no one on earth could give him. His sight is one thing that will let him have a normal life; it is a change from darkness to light.
Rabbi, I want to see!
Jesus grants his request and because of his faith, he can see. The text mentions that he follows Jesus along the road.
What is the difference between the two situations?
In Bartimaeus situation his faith is based on rumor or provided by God but his request is for a real need. By granting his request God is glorified and people can be amazed with this wonderful sign.
With the disciples the request has a faith that it can be granted but the need is for power and high position. Unfortunately, they were not correct because it was God’s decision. They had no understanding of what benefit or problems their request would actually result.
So what is the real message that God offers us today?
A believer may pray to ask for anything and God will not be angry. However prayers that are answered are lifted with the understanding that it is really possible. That God responds to our needs more than our desires.
In Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
However, I believe that it is not the automatic ATM kind of response that Jesus was offering. I believe that he was indicating that believers do mature and understand the kingdom of God. As this happens our request change to reflect our understanding of the kingdom, our understanding of God.
As we grow in our relationship we change to understand that our life here and the faith we have is all about pointing others toward God. The blessings in Life are granted for the same purpose. Wealth in the earthly realm has no comparison to what is considered average in Heaven.
So what do we ask for as we pray to God?
What do you want him to do for you?
Heaven’s Grocery Store
I was walking down life’s pathway Not so very long ago
When I looked up and saw a sign, Heaven’s Grocery Store.
I got a little closer And the door swung open wide.
The next thing I knew I was standing there inside.
I saw a host of angels. They were standing everywhere.
One handed me a basket and said, “My child, now shop with care.”
Everything a Christian needed Was in that Grocery Store,
And what you couldn’t carry out You could come back next day for more.
Well, first I got some patience, Love is in the same row.
Further down was understanding. You need those everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of wisdom And a bar or two of faith. You couldn’t miss the Holy Ghost He was all over the place.
I didn’t forget salvation For salvation—that was free.
I wanted to get enough of that To save both you and me.
There was meekness, longsuffering and gentleness I saw these at a glance.
I knew I’d better get some. I would never have a better chance.
I stopped to get some courage To help me run life’s race.
Then my basket was getting full And I remembered I needed grace.
Then I started for the counter To pay my grocery bill
I thought I had most everything To do the Father’s will.
And I saw prayer, I just had to put that in.
I knew when I stepped outside the door, I’d run right into sin.
Source unknown
--- All Glory be to God!
