John complains to Jesus about someone casting out demons in His name. The complaint is based on a reality which the disciples have witnessed, the power of Jesus. They have seen him heal, and cast out evil spirits with a word or a simple gesture. They are struggling to understand that in Him they see the power of God because He is God. 

Jesus announces that the strangers casting out demons in His name are, in fact, drawing on His power. Jesus goes on to indicate that even being given a cup of water in His name is a blessing. The name of Jesus and the divine power of Jesus are united in His person. To know Jesus is to call upon Him by name, and to call upon His divine power. 

The Old Testament begins to show that even in God’s people, those who are not in the chosen few around Moses may receive His Spirit. Moses cries out that all of God’s people should be prophets, filled with His power. 

The power of God given to us through faith in Jesus comes into the world today, and offers incredible potential which we can easily underestimate. How easy it is to minimize the Holy Spirit, who is living and active in our midst. 

Lack of faith is a temptation that creeps in when we think about all of the ups and downs of the world and of our own lives as pure chance. God allows accidents, pain, suffering, and death to happen. But, in and through all of these events, the Holy Spirit is truly with us. A living faith in Jesus, who is risen and ascended to heaven with the Father means we too can call upon His Name, and rely on His Holy Spirit to drive out evil, to heal, to bring us new life in Christ. Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not, you can always turn to him.

• Have you known anyone who has called upon the name of Jesus?
• Why are the disciples of Jesus upset that others have cast out evil spirits in his name?
• How could calling on Jesus change the situation you are in? Have you tried?
• Why do you think that Jesus wants is to know him and his power in our lives today?