Ask for what you need, not for what you want!

"So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”   Mark 10: 51.  NKJV

What an amazing statement Jesus makes here 'What do you want Me to do for you?' Jesus has probably said this to you many times but you have not recognised it. It is a privilege that the King of kings should say this to us. Who are you to receive such honour? The answer to this is, you are a Child of the Living God.

Bartimaeus, a blind man, had heard that Jesus was passing by Jericho on His trip to Jerusalem, which would be His last one prior to His death. Nothing was going to stop 

him attending this; he probably would not have the opportunity again. The crowds were enormous but he shoved himself forward until he was on the side of the road. When Jesus went by, he started shouting, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.' He used the messianic title of David which to him, was appropriate. He shouted so loud that the crowd around told him to be quiet but, he was having none of that. It worked, he got Jesus' attention and was called over to Him. Jesus said to him, '“What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus was astounded at his faith and healed him immediately and then went on His way.

Bartimaeus had been physically blind but. he could see better spiritually than most of the religious leaders could.. He was determined that he would ask for what he needed, not what he wanted, although the two went hand in hand. Jesus blessed him because of who he was.

We should always ask Jesus for what we need. It is tempting sometimes to ask for everything - to win the Lottery, a country house with a nice bank balance and a fancy car but, although Jesus may give you these, He is more likely to to look at your heart - what you need and answer this prayer. Remember at the gate Beautiful in Acts 3, Peter and John on their way to morning prayer, met a disabled man who had been born this way. He was begging for alms. Peter though told him that they had no such money but gave Him what they had - healing prayer, and the man would never be the same again. He went leaping and praising God and eventually followed Jesus. Peter knew he was asking for what he wanted but gave him what he needed. Do you see the difference.

There is so much that we would like in our lives today, but what we would like and what we need are two different things. Let's not forget, once you receive what you need, what you would like may follow on later. So therefore, when you hear Jesus ask you what you would like Him to do, don't go running to Him shouting, 'I want, I want.' Think what you really need and tell Him so. Prayers are answered this way.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle Check it out. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.