Following Jesus · Part 35 of 40 · 3 min
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.
Retelling of John 20:11–18.
Supporting reading: The Desire of Ages, chapter 82. Open the book
Talk about it together
- Compassion
- Hope
- What did Jesus say that helped Mary recognize him?
- How do you think Mary felt when she recognized his voice?
- How can we show someone that we listen and care?
Activity · 2–5 minutes
Your Name Matters
Take turns sharing what you like to be called and something you enjoy doing. The listener responds using your name and what they just learned: “Anna, I remember you like drawing. What do you like to draw?” Talk about how paying attention helps someone feel known and loved.
Try it today: We can use people’s preferred names and listen to them with care.
More stories with these values
Guess the sounds
Open the interactive activity or prepare a printable sheet for home, classroom, or family.
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