Matthew 20:32 – “Jesus stopped, called them, and said, “What do you want me to do for you?” 

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was challenged deeply by the Holy Spirit.   The question Jesus asked the two blind men in Matthew 20:32 gripped my heart.   They were crying out, praying for mercy.  Jesus heard that cry but pressed them for more specificity.   Mercy is good.   Mercy is needed.   Mercy is valuable, but what is it they were asking?

He asked, “What do YOU want ME to do for YOU?”   Before we can truly answer the question, we must surrender ourselves to Him.  Before He does something for us, He works in us so He can achieve His goal of working through us.   He never desires to bless us so that we will be blessed, but to enable us to bless others.

He asked, “What is it that you want from Me?”   They said, “That our eyes be opened.”  

What about us?   What do we want (specifically) from Jesus?  Why do we want what we want?  What is the foundational motive?   What will we do with what we receive?

Go back a few chapters and consider another view of this.  Remember Peter’s question in Matthew 18:21?  How often shall or must I forgive?  Is there an extent of forgiveness?  This was focusing on wrongs or perceived wrongs done to us by another person.  It implies the same wrong repeated over and over.   Surely, there is a limit on that.  Look at the response of Jesus.  “I do not say to you, up to seven times (numeric specific), but up to seventy times seven (unlimited or infinite).”

In Matthew 18:35, we have the key that unlocks the door regarding forgiveness and the answer to the question, “What do you want from Jesus?”   Forgiveness is to be unlimited and must always be from the heart.  Heart forgiveness releases and does not use the wrong in making decisions about the offender.

That we may see!   If we see the Cross, this is possible.   If we see human frailty —knowing, we could become the offender and need mercy —this is possible.  If we see eternity and understand that what we have is insignificant compared to eternity, this is possible.

So, What Do You Want Jesus To Do For You?   What is your greatest need and desire?  Why do you want what you want?  What will you do with and because of what He does?

LORD, let my eyes be open.   Let me SEE what You see, HEAR what You hear, so I can DO what You do.  I want to decrease so You can increase in and through me.

LORD, help each of us to examine our hearts and discover what we really want and why.