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Sermon Notes

God from Luke’s Eyes to Yours

What We Want

Luke 18:31–43 (ESV)

Pastor Scott Berglin | October 11, 2026

Key Scripture · Luke 18:41

“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”

What Do We Really Want?

We often know what we want—until we get it. Sometimes the things we pursue aren't what we truly need, and what we think will make life better may not be what God has for us.

In Luke 18:31–43, Jesus tells His disciples what lies ahead in Jerusalem: He will be mocked, mistreated, killed, and raised on the third day. They don't understand what He is telling them, but Jesus knows exactly where He is going and what He has come to accomplish.

Then, as Jesus approaches Jericho, a blind beggar cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” While others try to silence him, Jesus stops, calls him forward, and asks a remarkable question: “What do you want me to do for you?”

The challenge is to look beyond what we think we want and seek what God knows is best. Our hope is in the One who holds the future, offers mercy, and invites us to come to Him with faith.

The Three Sermon Points

01 · Luke 18:31–34

The Future and the Solutions Are in His Grasp

Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem. He told His disciples that the prophecies concerning the Son of Man would be fulfilled: He would be handed over, mocked, mistreated, killed, and rise again on the third day.

The disciples couldn't grasp what Jesus was telling them. But their lack of understanding didn't change the certainty of His plan.

It's okay to be confused when we trust the One who already knows the future. We may not understand what is happening or how God will resolve a situation, but the future and its solutions remain firmly in His grasp.

We can spend so much time pursuing what we think we need—a different position, more money, better health, more friends—that we lose sight of what God may actually be calling us toward.

Reflect & Apply

  • You don't have to understand everything to trust God.
  • Your plans may differ from His, but He sees what you cannot.
  • Ask God to clarify what is truly worth pursuing rather than assuming every desire is a need.

The goal isn't to get God to accomplish our plans. It's to trust Him as He leads us toward what is right.

02 · Luke 18:38, 42

See His Mercy as the Path to Recovery

The blind beggar recognized something others seemed to miss. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

He wasn't merely calling for help. He was recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah and trusting in His ability to act.

Despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, the man cried out all the more. Jesus stopped, called him forward, and restored his sight.

Jesus is the source of recovery. Other people may play a part in restoring a relationship, helping us through a struggle, or offering support, but the ultimate source of every good thing is the Lord.

A Change in Perspective

Pastor Scott shared a story about a mother who initially wanted her daughters to follow a court order. Through conversation, he helped her recognize that what she truly wanted was a restored relationship with her daughters. That shift in perspective opened the door to progress, and later he learned that the family had experienced meaningful restoration.

Reflect & Apply

Sometimes recovery begins when God helps us see what we truly want.

Perhaps you want a relationship restored, freedom from a recurring struggle, clarity about a decision, or peace in a difficult season. Bring that desire to God and allow Him to reshape it.

Recovery may happen immediately or unfold over time. Either way, look to Jesus as the source, and trust His mercy to lead you forward.

03 · Luke 18:40–41

Cry Out! Be Specific When You Ask

Jesus stopped and asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The man answered plainly: “Lord, let me recover my sight.”

He didn't hide his need behind generalities. He knew what he was asking Jesus to do, and he brought that need directly to Him.

It's good to ask God to bless us, guide us, and take care of us. But we can also name the particular things weighing on our hearts.

Pray Specifically

“Lord, help me recover this relationship.”

“Lord, help me move beyond this struggle.”

“Lord, give me clarity about this decision.”

“Lord, show me what I truly need and help me trust You.”

Scott also challenges us to examine where we're directing our requests. We may ask our spouse, children, friends, or others for help, but we should also ask ourselves: Have I asked the Lord?

Specific prayer isn't about controlling God or demanding a particular outcome. It's about honestly bringing our needs to Him, trusting His character, and remaining open to His direction.

The blind man cried out, received his sight, and followed Jesus, glorifying God. His encounter with Jesus led to a visible response.

Don't let the crowd silence your prayers. Cry out to Jesus, be specific, and trust Him with the answer.

What Do We Really Want?

Pastor Scott's message invites us to look beneath our surface desires and ask what we're truly pursuing.

We might think we want more money, a different job, better circumstances, or control over a difficult situation. But beneath those wants may be a deeper desire for security, restoration, healing, peace, or a closer relationship with God.

Three Questions to Consider

1. What do I think I want?

Be honest about the desire that's occupying your thoughts.

2. What do I truly need from the Lord?

Ask Him to reshape your perspective and reveal what is worth pursuing.

3. Have I asked Him specifically?

Bring the real need to God in prayer, trusting that He sees the whole picture.

The blind beggar couldn't see Jesus, but he recognized who Jesus was and cried out in faith. His story reminds us that our limitations don't prevent us from reaching out to Christ.

We may not understand the future, and we may not know how recovery will come. But we can know where to turn.

Jesus holds the future. Jesus is the source of mercy. And Jesus invites us to ask.

Key Takeaways

God Holds the Future

Confusion doesn't mean God has lost control.

Not Every Want Is a Need

Ask God to help you recognize what is truly worth pursuing.

Jesus Is the Source of Recovery

Bring your need to Him and trust His mercy.

Don't Be Silenced by Obstacles

Like the blind beggar, keep crying out to Jesus.

Pray Specifically

Name the relationship, struggle, decision, or need you're bringing before the Lord.

Respond to His Work

Let your encounter with Jesus lead you toward faith, obedience, and praise.

Your Challenge This Week

Take time to identify one thing you deeply want or need.

1. Name it.

What is the specific situation, relationship, or struggle weighing on you?

2. Bring it to Jesus.

Pray honestly: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”

3. Ask specifically.

Tell Him what you are asking Him to do, just as the blind man did.

4. Invite His correction.

Ask God to show you whether what you want is truly what you need.

5. Trust Him with the outcome.

Remember that the future and its solutions are in His grasp. Remain open to His timing and direction.

Take It With You

When you don't understand the future, trust the One who holds it. When you need recovery, turn to Jesus as the source of mercy. And when you pray, don't be afraid to be specific.

Look beyond what you think you want. Ask Jesus for what you truly need, and trust Him with the answer.

Reflect & Respond

  • What is something you want right now? Could there be a deeper need beneath that desire?
  • Where do you need to trust God's plan even though you don't understand it?
  • What specific request have you been hesitant to bring to Jesus?
  • How can you respond to His mercy with faith, obedience, and praise?

Your Prayer This Week

“Lord, help me see what I truly need. Let Your mercy lead me toward recovery, and teach me to trust You with what I cannot yet understand.”

One Question for the Week

What do you really want Jesus to do for you?