Key Passage
Jesus asked the man, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answered, “Teacher, I want to see again.” Jesus said, “Go. You are healed because you believed.” Then the man was able to see again. He followed Jesus on the road.
— Mark 10:51-52 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Isn’t that such a simple question? Wouldn’t we better serve others if we asked them questions, listened to their answers, honored their request, and then affirmed their commitment and faith? Unfortunately we often think we know best how to help people, so we do what we think best rather than asking them what they need. While we can’t honor every wish and sometimes people’s needs seem self-evident and straightforward, asking them for input gives them the opportunity to share what’s on their hearts, and to express their needs while at the same time it affirms their dignity at a time when they may feel like they have lost every shred of dignity.
Prayer
O Father, help me to patiently wait and look for ways to help and serve others in your name. Give me the wisdom to do what they need, the patience to listen to them as they express that need, and the tenderness to invite them to let me share their burden. In Jesus’ name I ask for this help. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Later Jesus went to Jerusalem for a special Jewish festival. In Jerusalem there is a pool with five covered porches. In the Jewish language it is called Bethzatha. This pool is near the Sheep Gate. Many sick people were lying on the porches {beside the pool}. Some of the people were blind, some were crippled, and some were paralyzed. There was a man lying there who had been sick for 38 years. Jesus saw the man lying there. Jesus knew that the man had been sick for a very long time. So Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to be well?”
— John 5:1-6
A man that had leprosy came to Jesus. The man bowed on his knees and begged Jesus, “You have the power to heal me if you want.” Jesus felt sorry for the man. So Jesus touched the man and said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!” Immediately the leprosy disappeared, and he was healed.
— Mark 1:40-42
Continue praying. And when you pray, always thank God.
— Colossians 4:2
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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