- photo by Susan PageJesus is the expert when it comes to asking questions. His questions have a way of drawing out the truth from His respondents. One of the questions Jesus asked during His ministry was … “What do you want Me to do for you?” Isn’t that just the most awesome question?
We can put our imaginations to work as we read the stories laid out in Scripture. Take for example when Jesus called His first disciples.
The story opens with John the Baptist, standing with two of his disciples, John, and Andrew. Jesus walked by and John said “Behold, the Lamb of God!" When the men heard this, they immediately left John and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and asked a most thought-provoking question, … “What are you seeking?” (John 1:38) Their answer does not seem particularly deep. “Where are you staying?” However, as the story unfolds it becomes apparent that these men wanted to spend time with Jesus and after being in His presence, Andrew goes to find his brother Simon and says to him, “We have found the Messiah (which means Christ).” He then took his brother to meet Jesus, and all three men became Christ’s disciples.
The fundamental question “What are you seeking?” asked by the Master Teacher, helped the disciples dig for the truth of who Jesus was.
People are seeking answers and when they discover the Truth that sets them free, joy abounds and the need to share this good news is often immediate!
The second account displaying Christ’s amazing ability to engage people by asking pointed questions is a story recorded in three gospel accounts (Matt.20:32; Mk.10:51; Lk.18:41).
This incident took place outside Jericho when Bartimaeus and another blind man called out “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and asked, "What do you want Me to do for you?" They said, "Lord, let our eyes be opened.”
In a sense, the questions asked by Jesus allowed both physical and spiritual sight to be found. If Jesus were passing by this moment, what would your answer be to His question; “What do you want Me to do for you?"
There was a time in my life when I was in great need. My life had taken a dramatic turn, and I had begun the difficult adjustment of navigating life as a single woman. The Lord answered my question about how I would manage financially by meeting my needs beyond my wildest expectations. He knows our needs and longings. Before I even asked, Jesus provided the joy of working in ministry. When I asked Him to meet my needs, He opened the door. I am so grateful for how the Lord brought me into ministry and I’ve appreciated many years of joyful service. It’s been a blessing to meet many different people, hear their stories, and listen to their needs and prayer requests. I’ve enjoyed a bit of travel, worked with various teams, laughed, cried and been both exhilarated and exhausted by the challenges. What a blessing it is to be in service for my Lord.
Throughout our days we often ask the question, “How can I help you?” We may not be able to perform miracles; however, we can make a big difference in one another’s lives by listening well and responding with love and compassion. We can “do little things with great love!”
As we mature in our faith journey, our answer to Jesus’ question, “What do you want Me to do for you?” could be … “We want to be more real, more loving and giving. Lord, by your Spirit, fill us with the capacity to be more caring, patient and compassionate.”
“What can You do for us, Lord?”
Help us focus on the power of Your love and fill us with the fullness of that love ... to build Your Kingdom here, for Your glory! Help us ask good questions and listen well when we converse with You and others. And Lord, … just one more thing … keep asking those great questions, even the ones that aren’t all that easy to answer.
Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.