Never Throw a Sandwich at Someone Who is Drowning

Jesus and his followers came into Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho, together with his disciples and a sizable crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, Timaeus’ son, was sitting beside the road. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was there, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!” Many scolded him, telling him to be quiet, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, show me mercy!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him forward.”

They called the blind man, “Be encouraged! Get up! He’s calling you.”

Throwing his coat to the side, he jumped up and came to Jesus.

Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The blind man said, “Teacher, I want to see.”

Jesus said, “Go, your faith has healed you.” At once he was able to see, and he began to follow Jesus on the way.

Mark 6:46-51

Every time I read this scripture, I am struck by Jesus question to the blind man.

"What do you want me to do for you?"

Really, Jesus? The man is blind. What do you THINK he wants you to do for him?

I mean, I think Jesus knew exactly what the man wanted Jesus to do for him, but he models this important question for US.

One of my favorite pieces of wisdom is: Never throw a sandwich at someone who is drowning--no matter how good the sandwich is.

History both ancient and recent is riddled with stories of good people with the best intentions throwing really good sandwiches at drowning people.

For instance, when an earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, well meaning people shipped massive amount of donated clothing. After all, many people had lost everything, and they needed clothes, right? There were so many donations that the ships clogged the ports and delayed the delivery of food and medical supplies. It also flooded the market with free clothing so that local shop owners could not sell their goods.

I know of a local church who set up a free summer lunch program in their church building--fully staffed by volunteers and well funded--but no one thought to ask if the children that needed lunch had transportation to the church.

When we ask "what do you want me to do for you?" we are communicating so much

We are saying: I’m humble enough to know that I don’t know better than you do what it is you need

We are saying: this is about what you need and not about what I need to do feel good about myself

We are saying: I really would like to help. Tell me how.

 When we ask "what would you like me to do for you?" we are literally doing what Jesus would do.

We are doing what Jesus, in fact, did.