Read John 20:11-18 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. Why was Mary mourning?
2. When did she recognize Jesus?
3. What did she tell the disciples?
Reflect
The first person Jesus appeared to after His resurrection was Mary Magdalene. John 19:25 says that Mary stayed at the foot of His cross, even after many of the other disciples had fled. While she grieved what she thought had been a grave robbery, Jesus stood before her, but in her grief she didn’t recognize Him.
Then Jesus called her name, and at once she knew it was Him. Her sorrow turned to joy at the sound of His voice. She had Good News to bring to the disciples: Christ is risen! This is our Good News too, and He’s still speaking to us. He knows each of our names, and He wants us to be able to recognize His voice.
Have you heard the Lord calling your name? It might not always sound like an audible voice, but He wants you to be in relationship with Him. He gave His life on the cross for you, and He rose from the grave to defeat sin and death, to give you eternal life, and to one day call you to your forever home with Him in heaven.
Respond
Do you recognize God’s voice or know the way He usually speaks to you? What can you do this week to make space for a personal encounter with Him? Spend some time in prayer thanking Him for the way He sought you, knows you, and loves you. Be sure to get quiet, remove distractions, and listen for Him as a part of your prayer today.