What Do You Want?

by Annie Yorty

What do you want?

In reply, I could probably list a hundred “needs.” What about you? If Jesus asked the question, would you answer differently? He knows exactly what we need and always has the best for us.

A Frustrated Mama

Wailing invaded every square inch of the small bedroom and frayed every nerve in my being. My bare feet wore a groove into the carpet as I paced. Back and forth, back and forth. No one in the house felt joyful about the “bundle of joy” I pressed to my chest.

I lowered my newborn and stared at the mottled, red face that peeped out above his swaddled body.

“I just wish you could tell me what you want.” Did my own voice just join the wailing? In response, Stuart scrunched up his tiny features and gathered breath for another outburst.

Needs Exposed

The gospels record several occasions when Jesus asked the question, “What do you want?”

In the first instance, two followers of John the Baptist began to walk behind Jesus after John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. (John 1:38 NLT)

The second time we see this question, Jesus and the disciples found their journey interrupted by a blind beggar’s pleas.

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47 NLT)

Jesus’ heart felt compassion for the pathetic man lying in the dust and dark outside the gate of Jericho.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. (Mark 10:51a NLT)

“Wait a minute,” you might be saying. “Doesn’t Jesus know everything? Why did He ask when He already knew the answer?”

I can only speculate about why Jesus would bother asking the question, “What do you want?” Perhaps His query cut through their narrow human focus on physical need so they would consider their greater spiritual needs. Would Jesus’ question cause them to pause and perceive at least a glimmer of His majesty and power?

Permission to Ask

Whatever His reasons, Jesus’ question gave them permission to ask for their hearts’ desires.

Their answers revealed their true needs.

[The disciples] replied, Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come and see,” he said. (John 1:39 NLT)

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road. (Mark 10:51b-52 NLT)

Each person sought Jesus because they felt a desperate need they couldn’t fill. In response, Jesus invited them to see. To see the Light of the World. The Way and the Truth. The Bread of Life. The Great I Am. Their Savior.

 What Do You Want?

In what situation do you need to see Jesus?

Can you see Jesus is providing when the budget won’t cover the ballooning expenses? Guiding when the job seems to be going nowhere? He comforts the mom heartbroken by a child’s rebellion. Carries us through the darkest nights of a cancer journey. Even now He’s working behind the scenes in the relationship that’s damaged beyond repair. He shoulders the burden for the one who’s weary and befriends the lonely.

For I [God] am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! 

Do you not see it?

I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19 NLT, emphasis added)

Friends, Jesus invites us to ask to see and experience Him in every circumstance. He will satisfy our longings.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8 NLT)

In that bedroom years ago, I couldn’t figure out what my son wanted. But Jesus always knows our needs and will satisfy us.

Join the conversation:

How do you see Jesus in your present circumstance?

I welcome your comments.

Copyright ©2024 Annie Yorty