What would you have me do for you?

Can you imagine the Creator of the World asking you that question? How would you respond? What thoughts come immediately to mind? In Mark 10 we meet four individuals who were asked that question. Take a long look at each.

First is the rich young ruler. What must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus said you lack one thing; in essence you lack God being God. Instead money is your god and your idol. He left sad and sorrowful for he had an abundance of riches. Jesus pricked his heart and he was found wanting. Next James and John offer to us a glimpse into the truth of our hearts: power and prestige or perhaps security to be by the side of Jesus as He goes forth to conquer. Impetuous and bold, audaciously they say they are willing to share his fate and so they will. Contrast these with Bartimaeus of the same chapter and see that his only request was for healing of his eyesight. The rich young ruler and the sons of Zebedee sought what was tangible, what was temporal and would meet their self-interest.

The rich young ruler never saw the kingdom of God; the brothers did indeed see their words come to life. James will be the first apostle to be beheaded and John will live his life in exile. Be careful of what you ask for. But, Bartimaeus will become a follower of Jesus with no cloak, no strings attached, but full of God’s merciful touch to remind him daily that now he could be of service to the Master and others.

Jesus looked into the heart of all and what did he see? He loved the rich young ruler; he too loved James and John but warned them of the life ahead. But Jesus saw the one thing that is all He desires and he saw that in the blind Bartimaeus---faith. What does Jesus see when He looks within my heart? Does he see a spiritually undiscerning person whose life goal is to keep that which God has given to me for myself and no one else? Does he see that because of pride I seek power, prestige and position? Or does he look into my heart and see humility, faith and a desire to see Him alone? The rich young ruler left carrying his riches with him, sorrowful and sad. The brothers felt the sting of the other disciples when their request was revealed. Were they angry because the brothers beat them to what they also desired or were they indignant because they saw into the hearts of James and John a heart of selfishness? Bartimaeus felt the sting of the crowd but he was resilient, steadfast, unwilling to yield to their scolding, bold and desirous of one thing…to follow Jesus. Where am I?