Doug Marshall  

Jesus Remembers Our Name

John 20:16  Jesus said to her, “Mary!”  She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 

When Mary went to the tomb on that first Easter morning it was empty.  She was heart-broken.  Her friend and leader had been killed, and now his body had been stolen.  She saw Jesus, but didn’t recognize him.  It was only when he spoke her name, “Mary!” that she recognized him and her sorrow was turned to joy.

On our pilgrimage, we stayed at one of the same hotels I stayed at last year, the Manger Square Hotel.  For breakfast and dinner, we ate in the hotel’s dining room.  They had a large buffet with many different types of food. They also had a team of waiters/busboys who kept the tables clean and helped serve us.

Last year I had a wonderful conversation with one of the waiters, Luay.  He was college educated (accounting) but this was the only job available to him.  Luay was there again this year, and I recognized him the moment I walked in to the dining room.  He also remembered me, and even remembered my name!  When he said my name my heart was filled with joy

What a joy it is to know that Jesus, our risen Savior, knows us.  He knows our names, our fears, our hurts, and all the things that fill our hearts with shame.  And he still loves us!  Imagine yourself standing outside the tomb, seeing him, and hearing him call out your name.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank you that you remember our names.  Help us to live in the joy that comes from realizing that you know us and love us.  Amen.