Do You Want Jesus to Help You?
“What do you want me to do for you?”
See Luke 18:41
There’s a story in the Bible about a blind beggar receiving his sight (Luke 18:35-42). Jesus was walking by, on His way to Jericho, and the blind man heard the crowd around him begin to bustle. He perked up and asked what was going on, and they told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by” (Luke 18:37).
He immediately called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:38). Side note* He called Him “Son of David” because Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, was a descendant of King David, as was Mary.
When he yelled out to Jesus the people standing around this sightless panhandler immediately shushed him. But he was not going to be quiet! He had heard Jesus was performing many miracles and now was the opportunity to get his!
So he got LOUDER! “Jesus! Have mercy on me!” (Luke 18:39).
…Jesus stops…He looks over and says, “Bring him to me.”
I could stop writing right now and a point could be made! This man refused to let Jesus pass him by, even in his turmoil! His faith impressed Jesus so much, the Messiah stopped dead in His tracks to help him! However, that is not my point…
So the people standing around this unsighted man helped him up, took him by the hand, and slowly walked him over to Jesus. Notice what Jesus says next, right after the blind man is standing in front of Him. He doesn’t quickly touch him and heal him, He could have done that from afar. Instead He asks the beggar a question in which He already knew the answer to:
“What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41).
Jesus wanted to hear it from him, so that the man could hear himself.
What most of us don’t understand is that Jesus was not an enabler. He wasn’t going around healing and helping those who didn’t want His help. Instead, He helped everyone who came to Him, those who asked Him for help.
Whoever needed aid from Jesus, either them or their loved ones had to first want it, and second, go ask for it. He was always willing to give assistance to those who wanted it! And He gave His help away for free through simply believing and asking! This is why we should always present our requests to Him with the expectation of receiving it. But at the same time, understand He always knows best.
So the blind man said, “Lord, I want to see” (Luke 18:41). He wanted it! He wanted a new life! He wanted change in his life! So he reached out to Jesus as He was walking by and in essence, said:
“I’m done begging! I’m done depending on others for everything! I’m done living in darkness! Jesus, help me! Change me! Heal me! I know you can do it!”
Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God! When all the people saw it they also praised God! (See Luke 18:42-43).
…How amazing.
Notice in that last verse, once Jesus does change your life, you simply cannot help but follow the guidance of His Spirit, praise Him, and show the world all He’s done for you!
A prayer for you: Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for giving us the ability to make our own choices. That blind man didn’t have to call out to Jesus, he could have let Him pass by. But he wanted Jesus to help Him! He chose to reach out to your Son and everything changed! Thank you so much for sending Jesus here to teach us the things we should and shouldn’t choose. Continue to give us His spiritual guidance each day! Use us, mold us, and teach us! In Jesus’ name, amen.
This devotional is from 60 Days for Jesus, Volume 2. Get your copy here!