He Calls you by Name

Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ John 20:16

Mary Magdalene knew what it was like to be deeply loved by Jesus.

He had healed her, delivered her, and transformed her life.

Mary stood near the cross and watched the One who had changed her life suffer and die.

She saw Jesus’ body beaten and bloodied.

Mary heard the mocking voices.

She listened as He spoke His final words and took His last breath.

The One who had saved her was dying before her eyes.

Yet Mary stayed.

Three days later, she stood outside the tomb weeping, believing all hope was lost.

Then Jesus spoke one word:

“Mary.”

In that moment, everything changed.

The risen Savior called her by name.

He had not forgotten her!

I know we’ve all felt like Mary at one time or another feeling unseen, forgotten, or wondering if anyone notices us.

But Jesus sees beyond what others see. He knows the parts of our story that no one else knows.

Just like He called Mary by name, He calls you by name too.

Your worth isn’t determined by how much attention you receive or whether you feel included.

You belong to the One who created you, redeemed you, and chose you.

You may feel overlooked, but God has never overlooked you.

Take A Moment

Have you ever had a moment when you felt unseen, but later realized God was right there with you?

What does it mean to you to know that Jesus knows your name and sees the parts of your story that no one else sees?

Prayer

Lord,

Thank You that we are never just another face in the crowd to You. You know our name, our story, our struggles, and even the things we don’t know how to put into words.

When we feel unseen, remind us that You see us.
When we feel forgotten, remind us that You haven’t forgotten us.
When we feel lost, help us recognize Your voice calling us back to You.

Just as You called Mary by name, remind us that You still call us by name today. Help us slow down enough to hear You and trust You, even when we don’t understand what You’re doing.

Thank You for calling us by name and reminding us that we belong to You.

In Jesus’ precious name,

Amen.