Glory or Mercy?

Today in our series through the questions of Jesus, we dive into a question that we only see him ask twice in the gospels— "What do you want me to do for you?" The interesting thing is that the first time Jesus asked this specific question, and the second time he asked it occur back to back— first directed to James and John, and the second to the blind beggar Bartimaeus.

This narrative invites us to reflect on our own approach to Christ and the nature of our prayers. We're challenged to consider: Do we truly know who we're talking to when we pray? Are we approaching Jesus with the same desperation, honesty, and vulnerability as Bartimaeus did? The contrast between James and John's request for glory and Bartimaeus' plea for mercy highlights a crucial lesson in humility and faith. As we contemplate Jesus' question, 'What do you want me to do for you?', we're encouraged to examine our own motives. Are we seeking personal comfort or a divine calling? This message compels us to shed our old ways, like Bartimaeus casting off his cloak, and embrace a new life of following Christ with unwavering trust and purpose.