April 1st reading has the disciples on a mountain top, and back on level ground in no short order. I was struck by a few things in this passage. One is the name of Jesus, ‘God’s Son, his Chosen One’. Jesus tells us again to be as children, that simple trusting faith, and also puts welcoming a child in the same passage as welcoming Him. “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” Simple, yet powerful words.

Then later the disciples are ‘upset’ because someone is using that powerful name of Jesus to cast out demons, and they aren’t in their group! Jesus put John in his place. I felt the sting myself, asking……am I welcoming Jesus, into my life, my brokenness, am I using his name to set captives free, or am I wasting His power by keeping it hidden? Come Lord Jesus, and set us free!