Women in the Easter StorySample

Jesus Knows You by Name

Mary made her way down the rocky path to Jesus’ grave. She carried spices for the dead, as was the tradition of the day. But when she arrived she saw that the stone was rolled away and Jesus’ body was gone. Mary began to weep thinking it had been stolen. Two angels comforted her, to no avail. And then another man spoke. “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

Mary begged the stranger through tears to tell her where the body was taken.

With just one word, he responded: “Mary …”

Mary knew that voice. He had spoken her name so many times. Could it be? Was it … “Rabboni,” she said, rushing toward Him with pure affection.  It was Jesus, and He was alive!

We all have those people in our lives whom we can recognize just by the way they say our names. It’s usually a spouse, mother, or father—someone you have a close personal relationship with, someone who loves you.

Mary had that kind of relationship with Jesus. She had heard that familiar affection, and she knew His voice even when she didn’t recognize His resurrected body. His voice was so familiar, she could distinguish it from anyone else.

Isaiah 43:1 says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” One of the unique characteristics of the Christian faith is our personal relationship with the Father, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  The triune God is not a distant deity who plays with our lives as if we were rag dolls. God knows us personally and intimately, and loves us unconditionally.

Psalm 139:13-16 expresses the intricate involvement that God has in the forming of a single life, even while it is yet unformed and in the womb. God is a personal God.

If you belong to God, He knows your name, and He’s calling you. But do you recognize His voice? Set your heart today to know Him as well as Mary did.

Discuss: Consider your own relationship with Christ. How well do you know His voice? Do you believe that He knows you by name? What are some things you can do to learn to recognize the Lord’s voice better?