A Strange Question

Guest Post by John Elzinga

You  have the option to view the video version of today’s “Guest Post” by John Elzinga by clicking HERE or by reading the “transcript below:

A strange question Jesus asked:  “When he came near [the blind man], Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”” Luke 18:36-43 (esp. vs. 40b-41)

There he was, blind and a “beggar” sitting on the roadside in which Jesus was passing by. Jesus was not alone, there was a crowd with him, tagging along, watching His every move.

There’s this “beggar,” blind at that, who was informed Jesus was coming.

He saw the opportunity and began to call out to Jesus, hoping He would hear him.

“Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!”

Those who led the crowed told him to shut up.  (Jesus has more important things to do than to pay you any attention)

But he called again, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

So, he got Jesus’ attention and Jesus went over to him and asks this very strange question, “What do you want me to do for you?” 

You may be thinking, “Kind of obvious, isn’t it?”

Yes. It. Is!

Consider this: many leaders don’t ask questions like this.  They assume the obvious.  They don’t ask “what do you want me to do for you?” because they assume that whatever the issue is, it’s the employee’s issue alone.

A modem day, leadership version of this question would simply be, “How can I help?” A popular adage about leadership is that it is the job of the leader to remove obstacles that stand in way so team members can be more effective in achieving the goals that surround their roles. “How can I help,” gets to the core of how any leader/manager can engage with their team so they collectively, as an organization, fulfill their role in the world.

Dear leader, next time you see a team member struggling or frustrated or with that dazed look in their eyes and simply ask: “How can I help?”  Don’t assume they know how to get through it all, in fact, you may be the key to removing the obstacles that are in their way. And just knowing that you are for them, that you are on their side, and that you will do everything you can to make them successful may be all they need and empower them to break through whatever wall is holding them back.

John shared that you can download “339 Questions Jesus Asked” by clicking HERE

Note from Bob:  John Elzinga is a friend of mine. John has a devotional channel called “It’s a Great Day to Serve the Lord!” I highly recommend you check it out.  This particular devotional is posted there as well. You can find it at https://www.youtube.com/@gdsl4891/videos