“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" not because He doesn't know, but to draw out the man's deepest need and to make His power known to everyone watching. The blind man's simple, direct answer, "Lord, let me recover my sight," reveals a profound recognition of Jesus' authority and a focused desire for healing.
“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar cries out to him, persistently calling him "Son of David" despite the crowd trying to silence him. Jesus stops and calls for the man to be brought to him, then asks what he wants, leading to this direct request for healing.
Jesus, the one with all power, stops and asks a simple question. What does this reveal about His heart, and how He desires us to approach Him?
Jesus's Intentional Pause
Notice how Jesus doesn't just heal the blind man from a distance. He stops. He calls the man over. And then He asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” This wasn't because Jesus didn't know. He's God! He knew exactly what this man needed.
A Divine Invitation
Jesus asks this question for a few profound reasons:
Jesus wants us to come to Him with our deepest needs, not in a vague way, but specifically. He’s not afraid of our boldest requests.
In a world full of complex needs, the blind man’s request is startlingly simple. What does this singular focus teach us about true desire?
Ask a follow-up
More Than Just Physical Sight
The blind man’s reply, “Lord, that I may receive my sight,” might seem basic. He’s been begging by the roadside, and Jesus offers him anything. Why not ask for wealth? For comfort? For a position of influence?
The Ultimate Restoration
While the man clearly desired physical healing, his request also carried a deeper weight, especially given the title he used for Jesus: "Lord" (or "Rabboni" in Mark’s account, a term of highest respect). This wasn't just a plea for better vision; it was a cry for restoration in its fullest sense.
His focused request highlights that sometimes, the most profound need is the most fundamental – the ability to see and to follow the Light of the world.
Understand the original words
Kyrie · Greek Noun
A term of respect often addressed to Jesus, acknowledging his authority and divinity. In the New Testament, it expresses recognition of Jesus as Master or God.
This encounter happened as Jesus was approaching Jericho, a city known for its historical association with a parable about compassion. It highlights Jesus' journey toward Jerusalem and his concern for individuals, even in the midst of a crowd.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, primarily in the region of Galilee.
c. 29-30 AD
Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus and his disciples undertake a significant journey towards Jerusalem, a journey that would eventually lead to his crucifixion.
c. 29-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Approaches Jericho
As Jesus draws near the city of Jericho, a blind beggar encounters him, crying out for healing.
c. 29-30 AD
Healing of Bartimaeus
Jesus, upon hearing the blind man's plea, stops and asks what he wants, leading to the man's sight being restored by his faith.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus makes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a pivotal moment leading to the final week of his earthly ministry.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and, according to Christian belief, resurrected on the third day, marking the foundational events of Christianity.
This passage shows another instance where Jesus directly asks the individual what they want, highlighting His personalized approach to healing and His desire for a clear request from the one in need.
Mark 10:51This verse presents the same interaction, emphasizing the man's immediate and fervent desire to 'recover his sight,' underscoring the core of his plea.
Isaiah 35:5This Old Testament prophecy speaks of a time when the eyes of the blind will be opened, directly foreshadowing the miraculous healing Jesus performs and the fulfillment of God's promises.
John 9:3Jesus explains that the man born blind was healed 'so that the works of God might be displayed in him,' connecting this healing to a divine purpose beyond just the individual's restoration.
calvinLuke 18:35-43: "And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:"
- And while they were departing from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30. And, lo, two blind men sitting near the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried aloud, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 31. And the multitude rebuked them, that they might be silent; but they cried out the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son…
ellicottLuke 18:41: "Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight."
(41) Lord, that I may receive my sight. —As St. Luke uses “Lord” ( kyrie ) for St. Mark’s “Rabboni,” it may be inferred that he uses it in a somewhat higher sense than either of his two words for Master. (See Notes on Luke 5:5 ; Luke 8:24 .)
Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" not because He doesn't know, but to draw out the man's deepest need and to make His power known to everyone watching. The blind man's simple, direct answer, "Lord, let me recover my sight," reveals a profound recognition of Jesus' authority and a focused desire for healing.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar cries out to him, persistently calling him "Son of David" despite the crowd trying to silence him. Jesus stops and calls for the man to be brought to him, then asks what he wants, leading to this direct request for healing.
As Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar cries out to him, persistently calling him "Son of David" despite the crowd trying to silence him. Jesus stops and calls for the man to be brought to him, then asks what he wants, leading to this direct request for healing.
"“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”" — Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" not because He doesn't know, but to draw out the man's deepest need and to make His power known to everyone watching. The blind man's simple, direct a…
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Last reviewed October 2026