Mark 10:51 “And answering him, Jesus said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ And the blind man said to Him, ‘Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!’”

You know, when I first read this verse I was like “What a stupid question.” I mean, Jesus, can’t you tell what he wanted. He was blind, for crying out loud. Even a child could tell what he wanted.

But before we go there, think about it. This man was blind and was making a living begging. He didn’t have to work. He sat around all day. People probably helped him get around when needed. Perhaps he put up with his blindness. After all, if he regained his sight, he might have to be “normal.” It says he wanted to “regain,” but we really don’t know if he had been born blind or had lost his sight. Either way, the first thing he would see when healed would be Jesus.

Jesus wasn’t One to assume anything. He didn’t need to ask the question. Since He was God He knew what Bartimaeus wanted. He knew his motive. How many times have you questioned your children when they asked for something even though you knew why they were asking? Did you refuse them? Did you give them what they wanted? Would you give them something that would harm them? Of course not. You would only give them things that blessed them or was good for them.

Our children need to know they can come to us for anything. But they also need to learn that we won’t give them things that we know aren’t good for them, no matter how much they want it. We want to open their eyes to see the difference between good and evil. We want them, like Bartimaeus, to see Jesus. What a sight to behold.