What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

Luke 18:35-43

One day a man goes to a doctor with an obvious issue—a badly broken arm, clearly visible. Everyone in the waiting room can see what’s wrong. However, when he finally sits down, the doctor doesn’t immediately say, “Let’s fix your arm.”

Instead, he asks, “What brings you in today?”

It feels almost unnecessary… surely the doctor can see what his problem is.

But then the man answers: “Honestly, the arm hurts—but what’s scaring me is that I can’t work, and I don’t know how I’m going to provide for my family.”

The doctor knew about the arm. But the question uncovered the deeper need.

In our text for today, Jesus knew the man was blind. Everyone knew. But by asking, “What do you want me to do for you?” He gave the man a voice—and revealed faith, not just need.

• Jesus and his disciples are traveling to Jerusalem and pass by Jericho.
• A blind beggar is sitting on the side of the road.
• He wonders what’s happening? He hears that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.
• He begins to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
• The crowd tries to shut him up….but he keeps crying out.
• Jesus hears him and stops. “Bring him to me” Jesus says.
• When he comes close Jesus asks him “What do you want me to do for you?”
• “I want to see” says the man. “Receive your sight” says Jesus “your faith has healed you.”

Jesus knows the beggar is blind. Everyone knows. But Jesus doesn’t assume anything. He shows the man dignity and respect by asking him the question.

Have you ever cried out to God before?

• In a loud voice? Like the beggar?
• Or maybe in a quiet voice, whispering?
• In desperation?

Close your eyes…..and imagine that Jesus is asking you that question: “[Your Name], what is it that you want me to do for you?”

• Don’t worry about a right answer.
• Don’t worry what the proper church answer might be.
• But today, how would you actually answer that, if Jesus asked you?
• Like a good doctor, Jesus knows what we need the most. But he’s interested in our answer. He shows us dignity and respect. He wants to hear our requests.

But of course, we have a problem don’t we?

• In today’s story, Jesus healed this man right away.
• Does he always answer your requests right away?
• No, we’re aware that God doesn’t always work that way. In fact, rarely!
• But what we can know with confidence is that he ALWAYS hears our prayers. He has NOT forgotten us.

Let me end with two Bible verses that may help us.

• In Revelation 3:20:　“Look, I stand at the door of your heart knocking…If you hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in, and eat with you, and you with me.” Jesus offers himself / offers fellowship / offers us his presence
• Philippians 4:6-7:  “Don’t be anxious about anything. But through prayer, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  Jesus offers us the peace of God.

Listen! Do you hear his voice? Let him in. Tell him what you need today! And in the meantime, receive his presence and his peace.

They are yours for the asking…..  Amen

(the above is a summary of the message shared during worship on May 3, 2026.)