Today’s Jewel:
Just Ask
Treasure Map Coordinates:
Mark 10:46~52
In my short stint as a mother, I have attempted to teach my children many lessons. Some lessons they grasp faster than others (primarily dependent on how much it benefits them). One lesson they learned very quickly is: “It never hurts to ask.”
To my chagrin, my children have even learned to preface some of their bigger requests with my own words.
There truly is no harm in asking. My husband is significantly older than me. He didn’t think there was a shot in a million I would consider dating him. Then he convinced himself that if he didn’t ask, the answer would always be no. He found the courage to ask me out and, as they say, the rest is history.
Asking questions is a fundamental part of our daily conversations. Granted, some individuals utilize interrogative sentences far more frequently than others, but we all use them regularly.
We ask questions for multiple reasons—to gather information, for better understanding, to challenge others, for perspective, or even to fill a socially awkward moment. Ultimately, with every question, we are seeking to satisfy a need.
My husband is a math genius. He’s not quite on the level of the mathematician in the TV show Numbers, but still, he’s brilliant. When anyone in our household is baffled with a math question, we know to whom we should turn. There is no debate in any of our minds. Hands-down, Hubs is our man.
The same principle applies to countless aspects of life. When I have a leaking faucet, I’m going to utilize the services of a professional plumber. When I seem to be struggling in life, I’m going to request the help of a qualified counselor. We all follow this same principle. We seek help from the individuals who are most qualified and able to satisfy our needs.
In his gospel, Mark relays the story about a man named Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). If you’re unfamiliar with Bartimaeus’ story, you really only need to know that he was a blind man when he encountered Jesus.
Bartimaeus, likely with the help of some in the crowd, made his way to Jesus. Jesus then poses a question to Bartimaeus that seems rather rhetorical. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him (Mark 10:51).
When I read this story, I was struck—rather profoundly—by the fact that Jesus asks Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” Obviously, as God in flesh, Jesus knew what he wanted. He always knew what people were thinking (Mark 2:8 and Luke 6:8 for example).
A divine nature, however, was not necessary to know Bartimaeus’ wishes. Even the onlookers knew blind Bartimaeus wanted to see; his physical condition was proof enough. Every single person on that dusty road in Jericho knew the desires of Bartimaeus’ heart. Yet Jesus still asked the question, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Why would Jesus ask a question to which he already knew the answer?
I am convinced Jesus wanted Bartimaeus to articulate his need. It wasn’t about Jesus’ ability to help the blind beggar, but about Bartimaeus formulating a concrete thought and expressing it with words.
Jesus wants the same from me. He doesn’t want me to be vague in my requests like, “Help me.” Jesus wants to know how he can help. He wants to hear from my own lips in very specific terms what I need—even if it does seem obvious.
Jesus asks us the same question he asked Bartimaeus. “What do you want me to do for you?” He implores us to simply ask him.
Humble yourself before Almighty God and ask. Whatever your need, it only makes sense to ask the One who can satisfy your request. In fact, God already knows our needs before we ask him (Matthew 6:8). We’re not going to surprise him with our requests!
For Reflection
① Are there obvious needs you have failed to bring before God? What has been the reason for your hesitancy?
② How do you reconcile in your own heart the fact that God already knows our needs, but he still desires that we express them?
Bury that Treasure!
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you (John 15:7).
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