March 7 – What matters most

What matters most to you?  What is the most important thing you could receive right now?  Maybe this is the “genie’s 3 wishes” question, or the “if you won the lottery” question.  If you could ask for anything, what would your request be?

As Jesus turns toward Jerusalem for the last time, he meets along the way a blind man (or two in the Gospel of Matthew).  This blind man, Bartimaeus by name, cries out for mercy, and the disciples rebuke him.  But in the face of rebuke, he just cries all the louder for mercy.  Jesus calls him over and asks a very important question, “What do you want me to do for you?”

When you are asked what you want by someone who can give you anything, you ask for that which matters most to you.  “Rabbi, I want to see,” the blind man says.  And Jesus grants his request.

Jesus is not a genie, nor a great “vending machine in the sky” where you deposit good works and get back answered prayers.  But there are times when Jesus, for our own good, asks us, “What do you want me to do for you?”  This question reveals our true desires.

So, what would you ask Jesus for in response to this question?  What really IS the most important thing for you right now?