Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." 36 "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. 37 They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." 38 "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" 39 "We can," they answered. NIV
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46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. NIV................................
Have you ever stopped to think that Jesus might ever ask you the question, "What would you have me do for you?" What a radical thing to consider! The creator and sustainer of the universe might ask you what you want Him to do for you. That is exactly what happens in this experience on Jesus' way to Jerusalem. In fact it happens twice, but with very different results.
The first occassion is in response to the "request" of James and John. They asked for special treatment by Jesus as He was coming into His kingdom. They wanted to sit on His right and left. These were seats of power and influence, and they knew it. It was their goal not just to be close to Jesus, but to have power and prestige of their own. They were looking for rewards for service.Jesus turns them down.
Later, in the same chapter, a bind man just outside of the city wall of Jericho, is begging and hears of Jesus' approach. He makes a "request" of Jesus, too. But his request is only for mercy-- not power or prestige, or restitution for being blind or anything like that-- just mercy. When Jesus calls him over He asks the blind begger the question-- "What can I do for you?" The begger's response was simple and straightforward, "I want to see."
This got me wondering, what is the difference between the two request? They were both asking for something for themselves. They were both wanting something good in the eyes of the world. What was different?
James and John were seeking advancement out of ambition. The begger sought advancement out of brokenness. Jesus says no to James and John. He says yes to the begger and commends his faith.
As we walk toward the cross with Jesus this Easter, what is your attitude of asking for things from Jesus? Are you asking out of ambition or deep recognition of your need? It might be tougher to be clear on our motivations than we think. Pray today that God will reveal to you your deep needs and not your ambitions. Let us come to Him in our faith and not in our plans.
Lord grant us mercy; forgive our ambition.
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