What's most important?

"Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?'  He said, 'Lord, let me see again.'"

(Luke 18:40-41)

It was no job, but it was how he made his living.  Begging.  By the roadside.  "Alms?!?" he'd cry out to people passing by.  That's all the blind man could do - beg.

So it's interesting that when he finds out that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, he calls out to him with a title not used elsewhere: "Son of David!"  That's the title for the Messiah.  How did this blind man know that?!?  Nevertheless, he does what he does best, and begs!  He asks Jesus for mercy.

Jesus then does something rather interesting.  Though he is the Messiah & has divine knowledge, he asks the blind man, 'What do you want me to do for you?'  Now we might consider that a stupid question (Duh?!  What do you think he wants, Jesus?).  But in reality, the man could have asked for other things.  He could have asked for MONEY (like he always did!)... enough to be able to stop begging.  Enough to be comfortable & set.  Enough to not have to worry about finances any more.  He also could have asked for justice... for retribution against all who had wronged him or taken advantage of him in the past.  He also could have asked to be relocated... taken somewhere where he'd be valued & appreciated.  Maybe even to follow along with Jesus and his entourage.

Instead, this man gets to the very root of his problems: he's blind.  The most important need he has (above all other needs) is the need to see.  "Lord, let me see again."  And Jesus grants his request.

Sometimes I think we get caught up in all the things that, though they may be problems in our lives, are ultimately not THE MAIN PROBLEM.  They're not that important (at least, not as important as the ONE thing that's most important - whatever that may be for each of us).  "What do you want me to do for you," Jesus asks.  This isn't a genie-in-a-bottle-make-three-wishes question.  It's a what's-your-bottom-line-deepest-need question. 

So let's not be too quick to answer.
Take the time to search your soul.
How will you respond to the Savior?