In the bustling narrative of Luke 18, we encounter a profound moment where Jesus poses a question to a blind beggar named Bartimaeus: “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?” This question, found in verse 41, is not born of ignorance but is a divine invitation to reveal the heart’s deepest desires and to trust in God’s promises. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that effective prayer is rooted in knowing God’s Word, persisting in faith, and asking specifically for what He has promised. This sermon draws from Luke 18:35-42 to offer timeless lessons on how to approach God in prayer with clarity and confidence.
The account in Luke 18:35-42 (KJV) paints a vivid picture: “And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.”
This passage is a culmination of several lessons on prayer woven throughout Luke 18. From the persistent widow who would not take no for an answer to the humble tax collector pleading for mercy, Jesus teaches us how to approach God. Bartimaeus embodies these lessons, crying out to Jesus with unwavering faith despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him. His story challenges us to move beyond vague prayers and to approach God with specific, scripture-grounded requests.
Know God’s Word to Believe God’s Promises
The foundation of effective prayer lies in knowing God’s Word. Bartimaeus’ cry, “Thou Son of David,” reveals his understanding of scripture, particularly Isaiah 35:5-6 (KJV): “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.” By addressing Jesus as the Son of David, Bartimaeus claims a promise tied to the Messiah, believing that Jesus could fulfill what the scriptures foretold.
Our prayers will never rise above our knowledge of God’s Word. Without it, we risk praying for things contrary to His will or missing the promises He has already given. For example, a vague prayer like “Lord, bless the missionaries” lacks the specificity that comes from knowing God’s purposes. Instead, we might pray, as missionary Amy Carmichael did, claiming Psalm 27:10 (KJV): “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” By grounding her prayers for orphaned children in this promise, she saw God work specifically and powerfully. To pray effectively, we must immerse ourselves in scripture, allowing it to shape our requests and align them with God’s revealed will.
Refuse to Be Silenced When God’s Word Invites You to Ask
Bartimaeus’ persistence is a powerful lesson in refusing to be silenced when God’s Word invites us to ask. Despite the crowd’s rebukes, he cried out all the more, echoing the persistent widow of Luke 18:1-6 who relentlessly sought justice. Jesus Himself teaches in Luke 18:1 that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Bartimaeus knew the scriptures promised that the Son of David would open the eyes of the blind, and this knowledge fueled his unyielding faith.
Corrie ten Boom once said, “Let God’s promises shine on your problems.” When we know what God has promised, no opposition, delay, or doubt can silence our prayers. The prophet Elijah exemplified this on Mount Carmel, praying persistently for rain as promised by God (1 Kings 18:41-45). Despite clear skies, he prayed seven times until a small cloud appeared, signaling God’s answer. Similarly, Bartimaeus would not stop until the Son of David fulfilled the promise. We, too, must cling to God’s Word, praying with unwavering faith even when answers seem delayed, trusting that delay is not denial.
Ask God Specifically to Do What He Promised
When Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?” He was inviting a specific request. Bartimaeus responded clearly, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” His prayer was not a vague wish but a direct claim on God’s promise. Throughout scripture, we see prevailing prayer marked by specificity: Hannah prayed for a son and received Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11); Elijah prayed for fire from heaven and saw it consume the sacrifice (1 Kings 18:36-38); Hezekiah prayed for healing and was granted 15 years (2 Kings 20:5-6).
George Mueller, known for his remarkable prayer life, once faced a thick fog threatening to delay his ship to Quebec. He prayed specifically, “Lord, if it be consistent with thy will, please remove this fog in five minutes.” The fog lifted, and he made his preaching engagement on time. Specific prayers yield specific answers, giving God the glory. Instead of praying, “Lord, bless my children,” we might pray, “Lord, guard Daniel from temptation in this area,” or “Help Aidan make wise decisions in choosing friends.” By tying our requests to God’s promises, we honour Him and recognize His answers more clearly.
Conclusion
The story of Bartimaeus challenges us to move beyond vague prayers to specific, scripture-based requests. By knowing God’s Word, we can believe His promises and pray within His will. By refusing to be silenced, we demonstrate faith that clings to those promises despite opposition or delay. And by asking specifically, we invite God to work in ways that unmistakably reveal His hand.
As we pray, let us be like Bartimaeus, boldly claiming God’s promises and trusting Him to act. Whether for personal needs, family, or ministry, let us study His Word, persist in prayer, and ask with specificity. The same God who stopped for Bartimaeus hears our prayers today. May we take Him at His Word and pray with faith, knowing that He is a prayer-answering God.
