Jesus asks “What do you want me to do?”   

 

My eight year old students crowded around the low work table loaded with the ingredients to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Their job was to give me instructions.

“Put the peanut butter on the bread” said the first student.

I plonked the unopened jar in the middle of the loaf, denting it considerably.

“No! You have to take the peanut butter out of the jar,” several said the while others giggled.

So (with a gloved hand) I scooped the peanut butter out of the jar and smeared it on the bread bag.

They erupted in laughter. “Mrs. Glover! Not like that.”

“What do you want me to do?” I said. 

“Take the bread out of the bag and spread it on.”

I ripped the bag, took out a piece of bread and smeared it on one side and set it on the plate. 

“Now the jelly” one student said. I reached for the jar. 

“No, use a knife and get the jelly out of the jar” a quick thinker added. 

“We have to tell her exactly what we want her to do” said another.

Now that they understood good directions are not general, but specific, I sent them back to their desks to write out step by step instructions. 

In Matthew 20 a pair of blind beggars heard Jesus approach and loudly, urgently called out to him. The Greek word for “cried out”  is the word for croak, like the cry of a raven.

“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 

The crowd rebuked the pair and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder.  Their request was general “have mercy.” They may have thought that was enough instruction, it was obvious they were blind.

 But Jesus wanted more. 

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.”     Matthew 20:30-34 NIV

A careful study of the passage reveals several important elements of prayer.  First, when in need, seize the opportunity to ask Jesus for help. Don’t put it off, don’t assume things will work themselves out.

 Second, don’t be dissuaded by the crush of voices in your own mind — discouraging, dismissive voices that you’ve already asked for your need to be met. Instead, persist. 

Third, be specific. The God who created you is asking “What do you me to do for you?”

Fourth, wait with faith.

What do you want Jesus to do for you today? Croak out your prayer right now. Ignore the naysaying voices, and tell Him what you need. He wants to know, and He will act in the way for your good.