Called by name
Today's focusWeeping at the tomb, Mary does not recognise Jesus until he speaks her name; she becomes the first witness of the resurrection.
Read
11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him. 14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Reflection
Mary stands outside the tomb, overcome with grief. Even when she sees angels in white or the risen Christ Himself, her eyes are clouded by tears. She is so focused on the loss of the "body of Jesus" that she does not recognize the Savior standing right in front of her, "supposing him to be the gardener." Like Mary, you may find yourself in moments of deep sorrow where it feels as though the Lord is far away or missing. You may be looking for Him in one way while He is present in another.
Everything changes when Jesus speaks just one word: "Mary." By calling her name, He cuts through her confusion and heartache. In that instant, she recognizes her "Rabboni" and becomes the first witness of the resurrection. Jesus sends her to tell the others the good news that He is ascending to "my Father, and your Father." Today, remember that the Lord knows you personally. Even when your eyes are heavy with weeping, He sees you, He stands with you, and He calls you by name.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
How might the risen Jesus be speaking your name in the middle of your tears or confusion?
Pray
Risen Lord, you met Mary in her grief and called her by name. Speak my name too, and open my eyes to see you alive. Send me out to tell others that you are risen.