As Jesus marched toward Jerusalem, where His sufferings and death awaited, He fielded the prayers of two different parties. Following the submission of their request, He asked them each the same question.
James and John, two of His closest disciples, submitted their request to Him. “And [Jesus] said to them, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.’ Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you are asking’” (Mark 10:36-38a).
Then, a short time later, a blind man made his request. “Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ And the blind man said to him, ‘Rabbi, let me recover my sight.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well’” (vv.51-52a).
Notice the similarities and the differences in these two obviously parallel encounters. Twice Jesus was asked to do something. Once by James and John; once by a blind man. To both He asked: “What do you want me to do for you?” James and John requested greatness and honor. The blind man asked for his sight to be restored. Jesus denied James and John their request. He granted the blind man’s request. James and John’s request created a divide among Jesus’ followers (v.41) and drew out a repetition of Jesus’ previous teaching on greatness and servanthood (vv.42-45; cf. 9:33-35; 10:31). The blind man’s request resulted in his joining Jesus’ disciples in walking with Jesus (v.52b).
What point was the Holy Spirit, through Mark, making? At least this: It is infinitely better to see than to be seen!
This is my prayer: Lord Jesus, I do not ask you to make me great but that you give me eyes to see and ears to hear. I ask that you give me the grace to know you and to walk with you and your people. Amen.
