Called by Name

Called by Name

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (V.16)

John 20:11-18

Reading

Advertisers know that the most attention-grabbing word we react to is our own names. That’s why so many junk emails and adverts on social media use our names. They want to grab our attention! Whether those sort of ads work for you or not, having our names used by someone who doesn’t actually know us is a bit empty. It’s very different when a friend or loved one says our name.  

Mary Magdalene had her attention grabbed at Jesus’ empty tomb when He spoke her name (JOHN 20:16). With that single word, she suddenly realised that the man in front of her was the Teacher she loved and followed. The way He spoke her name—as someone who knew and loved her—was enough to convince her that her Saviour was back from the dead. 

Jesus told Mary that He would go back to His Father (V.17), but He also told His followers that He would not leave them alone (JOHN 14:15-18). Now God has sent the Holy Spirit to live in all His children (SEE ACTS 2:1-13). 

God’s story doesn’t change. Jesus knows and loves us just as He did Mary and His followers. He gives us His Spirit and calls us by name. He knows all those He loves (SEE JOHN 10:14-15).

 Thinking it over . . .

What does it mean for you that God knows you by name?

Does this make you happy, or is it something you struggle to believe? Why not think about the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 10:29-33.

THE GOD WHO CREATED THE WHOLE WORLD ALSO MADE YOU, AND HE CALLS YOU BY NAME.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries