I. Why does Jesus ask when He already knows?
Imagine standing before the Lord of the universe, the One who knows your heart better than you do, and hearing Him ask, "What do you want Me to do for you?" On the surface, it’s a question that seems unnecessary—surely Jesus already knows our needs. And yet, throughout the Gospels, He asks it multiple times. Why?
This question is an invitation—not just to receive but to engage. Jesus' words are not about gathering information but about drawing out faith. By looking at the biblical occurrences of this question, we will uncover profound theological truths about faith, the role of Christ, and the nature of our requests before God.
II. Biblical Occurrences of the Question
A. Jesus and the Sons of Zebedee (James and John)
Scripture Reference:
The first time we hear Jesus asking this question, it is directed at James and John, who, along with their mother, come to Jesus with an ambitious request: “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory” (Mark 10:37). Jesus responds, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36).
It is a striking moment. These disciples, who had walked with Jesus, seen His miracles, and heard His teaching, were still thinking in worldly terms. They desired power and position rather than humility and service. Jesus gently corrects them, leading into one of His most profound teachings: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
The contrast is clear. The question exposes their hearts. What do they truly want? What they should want is not status but servanthood.
B. Jesus and Blind Bartimaeus
Scripture Reference:
Mark 10:51, Luke 18:41, Matthew 20:32
Shortly after His encounter with James and John, Jesus asks the same question—but this time to a very different person. Blind Bartimaeus, sitting by the roadside, hears that Jesus is passing by and begins to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). The crowd tries to silence him, but he persists. Finally, Jesus stops and calls him forward. And then, in an almost surprising moment, Jesus asks, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
Why does He ask? Isn’t it obvious that a blind man would want to see? Yes—but Jesus invites Bartimaeus to articulate his faith. When Bartimaeus responds, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!” (Mark 10:51), Jesus heals him immediately, saying, “Your faith has made you well” (Mark 10:52).
Unlike James and John, Bartimaeus' request is not about personal glory but restoration. His persistence, faith, and acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of David demonstrate that he understands who Jesus is. He asks not for power but for grace.
III. Theological Implications of Jesus’ Question
A. The Invitation to Engage in Faith
Jesus' question forces people to examine their desires. In Greek, the word He usesθέλεις (theleis), means "desire" or "wish." It is not merely about physical need but about aligning one's will with God's. Faith is not passive. Jesus calls us to verbalize our trust in Him, just as Bartimaeus did.
B. The Role of Jesus as the Servant-King
Jesus’s response to James and John highlights His mission: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). This reflects Philippians 2:5-8, where Paul describes Christ’s humility in coming as a servant. Unlike earthly rulers, Jesus does not hoard power—He gives Himself away.
C. The Sovereignty of Christ and Human Responsibility
Even though Jesus already knows our needs, He asks us to participate. This is consistent with passages like John 5:6, where Jesus asks the man at the pool of Bethesda, “Do you want to be healed?” Jesus invites faith-driven responses. He does not force His will upon people—He draws them to Himself.
IV. Practical Application: Answering Jesus’ Question Today
If Jesus were to stand before us today and ask, “What do you want Me to do for you?” how would we respond? Would our answer reflect self-interest, like James and John? Or would it be one of faith, like Bartimaeus?
Here are some key takeaways:
Examine Your Desires: Are you seeking status and comfort, or do you honestly long for Christ Himself?
Pray with Faith: James 4:2-3 reminds us that we often do not receive because we do not ask or ask with the wrong motives.
Align with God’s Will: Jesus is not a genie granting wishes. His question is not about fulfilling selfish requests but drawing us into a more profound dependence on Him.
V. Conclusion
Jesus’ question, “What do you want Me to do for you?” forces a response. By contrasting James and John with Bartimaeus, we see the difference between seeking status and grace. We are invited to bring our most profound needs before Him, but we must ask in faith, seeking not our glory but His.
So today, if Jesus were to ask you, “What do you want Me to do for you?”—what would your answer be?
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