Mk 10:46-52
46As [Jesus] was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” 48And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 49Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” 50He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” 52Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.
What do you want me to do for you? Jesus does not presume or dictate anything. He does not jump the gun on anyone. He does not brush aside anybody or disregard any plea. He is humble and kind enough to ask, “What do you want?” He does not say, “This is what you need” or “This is it for you” or “This will do for you.”
The story of Bartimaeus is not only about sight restored but also about dignity regained. Jesus respects people. He treats everyone as special and blessed. He gives each one his right and his due. He gives everyone the benefit of the doubt, whether it be an adulteress prejudged or a child pronounced dead. While our ready, conclusive perception sometimes kills, Jesus looks kindly and openly at everyone and moves on to a fresh insight.