We just need to call his name

John 20:16

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

It must have been dark in that place of tombs when Mary Magdalene went very early on that Sunday morning and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance to the tomb. Simon Peter and the other disciple, who also came very early, had already gone home. But Mary stayed outside the tomb crying. She thought someone had taken his body. She wanted to know where he had been taken.

Not knowing who they were, she told this to the two angels who were seated inside the tomb. But finding no answer, she turned to go. That's when she saw Jesus standing there outside the tomb – but she didn't recognize him.

He asked why she was crying. Thinking he was the gardener, she assumed he had carried Jesus' body away. She said, if you have moved him, tell me where you have put him, so I can get him. At this point, Jesus spoke and called her name – "Mary"!

She recognized him then and called out in surprise – Rabboni! Teacher!

He told her in verse 18, to go and tell his brothers, the other disciples, that he was returning to the Father, my God and your God. And she did just that!

His first witness! A woman who had lived a sinful lifestyle. She had been forgiven much. She was loved and accepted by Jesus! We, too, are forgiven much, no matter our sins or lifestyles. We just need to call his name – Rabboni, Teacher, Jesus, Lord – help me! Forgive me! Show me the way I should go! I believe!

Prayer

Thank You, God, that You forgive our sins and love us. Thank You for coming to live among us and for teaching us by your example. Help us to walk in your footsteps, to forgive others as you forgive us. And help us to spread this good news to the world, by telling ALL your brothers and sisters! In Jesus' name we pray…Amen!

This devotional was written and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.