What Do You Want Me to Do for You
"Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man. “Take courage!” they said. “Get up! He is calling for you.” Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus jumped up and came to Jesus. “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road."
— Mark 10:49-52
Jericho was the last big town on the pilgrim road to Jerusalem, and before Passover that road could be packed. For a beggar this was the best spot of the year. Mark gives his name, Bartimaeus, which is rare among the people healed in his book. A moment earlier the crowd had told him to be quiet, and he shouted all the louder. A beggar's cloak was his blanket at night and probably the place where people threw coins, so he left behind the most valuable thing he had before anything had happened. A few lines earlier Jesus asked exactly the same question of two of his disciples, and they asked for places of honour in his kingdom. The blind man asks for something quite simple. Jesus could see he was facing a blind man, and he asks anyway. He wants to hear the request from the person, not only to guess the need.