✨ Resurrection Devotional: He Called Her by NameBased on John 20:11–18

📖 Scripture Reading: John 20:11–16 (KJV)

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

✍️ Poetic Reflection: He Called Her by Name

She wept beside the tomb alone,

The stone rolled back, yet heart like stone.

She sought her Lord, her grief still raw,

Her world undone by what she saw.

The angels asked, “Why do you weep?”

She spoke of love and loss so deep.

“I know not where my Master lay,

I only came to mourn and pray.”

Then One stood near with quiet grace,

She turned—but did not know His face.

“Why weep?” He asked, “Whom do you seek?”

She answered through her spirit weak.

“If You have moved Him, tell me where,

I’ll take Him home with love and care.”

But then—a voice. So soft. So near.

One word that drove away her fear:

“Mary.”

The veil was torn within her soul,

The grief gave way—His voice made whole.

She knew that tone, that sacred sound—

Her Master, risen, glory-bound.

🌸 Devotional Thought:

Mary came looking for a body. She stayed to honor her Lord in death—and met Him alive in resurrection. Her pain was so thick, she didn’t recognize Him at first. But when Jesus called her by name, everything changed.

That’s the beauty of the resurrection: It’s personal. Jesus doesn't just rise in cosmic victory—He rises into your story. He sees your tears. He draws near when you least expect Him. He speaks your name.

Like Mary, maybe you’ve been standing outside something broken, something lost. Maybe you’ve misunderstood what’s really happening. But take heart: He’s closer than you think.

🙏 Prayer:

Jesus, You call me by name.

Even in my confusion, sorrow, or fear, You come close.

Speak into the places I’ve misunderstood.

Call me into deeper recognition of Your living presence.

Like Mary, may I turn and say, “Rabboni”—Master, Teacher, Savior.

Thank You for rising to meet me personally.

Amen.