What Wilt Thou
Mark 10:32–52 (text: vs. 36, 51)
Something we’ve learned by studying the questions Jesus asks is—Jesus never asks a question because He doesn’t know the answer. He asks questions to enlighten man’s mind to his spiritual condition and reveal what is in man.
When asked a question, it forces you to think. Depending on the question, it may require you to think about something you don’t want to think about. Therefore, God asks questions to force us to consider things we would not normally think about.
This is one reason why people reject tracts or attending church—It forces them to confront issues they don’t want to think about. It is my desire that this amazing question Jesus asks in our text will prompt you to think—If Jesus were to ask you this morning, “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?”, how would you answer? Your answer
will reveal much about your spiritual condition and your relationship with God.
Consider the first question God asked. God asked Adam after he sinned in garden—“Where art thou?” (Gen. 3:9). God knew where Adam was. But Adam didn’t! The question was not about Adam’s geographical location. The question God asked was, “Adam, where are you in relation to Me?”
Where are YOU in relation to God today? Are you trying to hide from God? Are you running from God?
Even as a child, Jesus was the Master of asking questions. As a 12 year old boy, Jesus went to Jerusalem with His parents for the Passover. On the journey home, Joseph and Mary discovered Jesus was not with them as they supposed. They found Him three days later! Where? Where they left Him, at the Temple. Luke 2:46-47 says, “They found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and ASKING
THEM QUESTIONS! And all that heard him were astonished…”
I believe the question Jesus asks in our text is the most amazing question Jesus ever asked. When Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?” Jesus put Himself smack-dab in the middle of Bartimaeus’ situation and was ready to open Heaven’s Treasure Crest just to give him want he needed.
Jesus asks this question twice in Mark 10—First to James and John, disciples of Jesus (v. 36). Then to a blind man named “Bartimaeus” (v. 51). Same question, but two answers that were diametrically opposite.
I. The question to James and John
A. Revealed their IGNORANCE.
- Jesus had just foretold what was about to happen when they arrived in Jerusalem—There would be no throne or kingdom— He would be crucified (vs. 32-34)! Jesus came to pay a RANSOM (v. 45). Ransoms were paid to release hostages (we were held hostage by sin!)
- The answer of James and John shows they were completely ignorant of what they were asking for (vs. 35-38). Jesus asks —“Can ye drink of the CUP that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” [A reference to the sufferings He just foretold them of. Although they affirmed they could, they probably did not realize what was involved in that “cup” or “baptism.”]
- Before you answer Christ’s question, make sure you are aware of what you really need! Do you know what you really need?
B. Exposed their ARROGANCE.
When Jesus asked His question, it revealed a prideful agenda in James and John.
1. Were they only following Jesus for what Jesus could do for them?
2. Jesus already promised them a throne (Mt. 19:28—“Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel”) But that wasn’t enough—They were concerned about the position of their thrones! They wanted the most honored place.
C. Caused an ANNOYANCE among disciples (v. 41).
II. The question to Bartimaeus (vs. 46-52).
A. Revealed his FAITH.
Partial Sermon: FULL PDF HERE
