Who knows how many years Bartimaeus lived without sight? Who knows how long he sat on that roadside? Somehow he hears about Jesus and that day Bartimaeus's life changes dramatically because of his faith in Christ.

Although the crowd tries to quiet him down, Bartimaeus's faith will not be silenced. When Christ hears him and calls him near, Bartimaeus quickly throws off his cloak and approaches Jesus.

It is obvious that Bartimaeus is blind, and yet the Lord asks him what he wants, what he desires Jesus to do for him. Bartimaeus boldly asks and Jesus tells him that his faith has saved him. In contrast to the rich man who refused to follow Jesus earlier in this same chapter of the Gospel of Mark, Bartimaeus joyfully follows Christ without hesitation.

Christ calls out to each one of us. What is my response? Do I have the courage to throw off those things that keep me from growing closer to him? Do I dare ask for what I desire most deeply in life?

What would I say if Christ asked me today, "What do you want me to do for you?"