Jesus Calls Your Name - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 1 

Jesus Calls Your Name
By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading: 
“Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two white angels seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there but did not realize it was Jesus. He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” – John 20:11-16, NIV

This scene after Jesus’ resurrection shows Mary Magdalene overwhelmed by sadness, confused by circumstances, and searching for answers. How often have you felt the same way in a painful situation? You pour out your heart to God and maybe even direct your frustration at God. Just like Mary, you can also feel lost and abandoned, wondering where God is in the middle of your suffering.

Mary is focused on her loss. She’s looking for a body – a tangible reminder of someone she loved. Her grief so consumes her that she misses the most extraordinary truth standing right in front of her. She sees Jesus but fails to recognize him. She mistakes him for the gardener of the area near his tomb. When have you looked for God but not found him as you expected? When have you been surprised to see God’s presence close to you in a way you didn’t expect?

Jesus doesn’t reveal his identity in a dramatic flash of glory. He doesn’t rebuke Mary for her lack of recognition, either. Jesus speaks her name: “Mary.” When Jesus says that single word, everything changes. It’s the voice Mary knows – the voice that spoke life into her soul and called her out of darkness into light. It’s the voice of hope!

That single word has tremendous power. It cuts through the fog of grief and misunderstanding, reminding Mary that her Creator knows her personally and loves her completely. With this new perspective, Mary turns and cries out, “Rabboni!” Mary’s cry of recognition is full of love and joy. As she hears Jesus call her and calls back to him, the reality of the resurrection crashes over her. Jesus is alive, and he is right there with her!

This passage isn’t just about Mary. It’s about each of us – including you. Jesus knows your name. He knows your hopes, your dreams, and your joys. He also knows your struggles, your sorrows, and your fears. He sees you in all of life’s ups and downs. He knows every detail of your life at all times. He knows what you’re thinking and feeling – and he cares. Jesus constantly calls you by name, speaking words of loving hope over your life. He calls you in many ways, such as through the encouragement of the Holy Spirit and the peace he sends you after you pray. Jesus calls you to turn to him, to recognize him, and to experience the wonder of connecting with him.

Just as the sound of Jesus’ voice changed Mary’s perception, yours can also be. When you hear Jesus call your name and recognize that Jesus is right there with you in all circumstances, your confusion can turn into understanding, your sadness can change into joy, and your despair can be replaced by hope. Jesus calls you to move away from the tomb of your distance from him and embrace the reality that he is with you personally, ready to give you hope!

Intersecting Faith & Life
As you consider how Jesus calls you to connect with him personally, reflect on these questions:

• When did you feel like Mary, overwhelmed by grief and searching for answers?
• Have you ever missed noticing God’s presence in your life because you were looking for him in the wrong places?
• How does knowing that Jesus knows your name personally affect your relationship with him?
• How can you pay more attention to hearing Jesus calling your name in your daily life?

Further Reading
Isaiah 43:1
John 10:3
Galatians 4:6
Revelation 3:20
Romans 8:28

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Arthit_Longwilai

Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com, on Facebook, and on  X/Twitter.

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