Jesus Calls Mary by Name

Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb crying. Jesus' body was gone, and she did not yet understand what had happened.

She bent down to look inside. Two angels were there and asked why she was crying.

Mary said that her Lord had been taken away and she did not know where he had been placed.

Then she turned and saw someone standing nearby. It was Jesus, but at first she did not recognize him.

Birds sang in the garden around her.

She thought he might be the gardener. She asked where Jesus' body had been taken.

Then Jesus said her name: Mary.

“Mary!”

Suddenly she knew his voice. The One she loved was alive!

Her sorrow changed to joy. Jesus gave her a message to take to his friends.

Mary hurried to tell the disciples.

She told them she had seen the Lord and shared what he had said to her.

Jesus did not see Mary as just one person in a crowd. He knew her name and cared about her tears.

We can help someone feel valued by learning their name, listening carefully, and noticing when they are sad. Loving attention can turn a lonely moment into a moment of hope.