Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (ESV)
John 20:16
There are a lot of wonderful things happening in the stories of the resurrection of Jesus. Each gospel writer chooses the particular events and moments to capture. This story of Mary at the tomb was particularly meaningful to me this morning as I was reading and thinking about life. Mary is deep in grief and sadness over the death of Jesus. As she comes to the tomb to continue her mourning, she is distraught to see that the body of Jesus is no longer there and has been moved. She confronts the angels who are there and begs them to tell her where they have taken the body. At this, she turns to see Jesus but does not recognize him. He even asks her a question and she still doesn’t recognize him. It is only when he says her name that she recognizes him and clings to him. There is something special and beautiful about Jesus simply saying her name to her. An intimate and special bond is renewed and refreshed as he calls her name. She responds in happiness and joy at the mere mentioning of her name. She clings to her Savior. She desire to hold onto him and never let him go. She has found what she thought was lost and is overwhelmed with joy in the moment. What is it about this short scene that speaks to me? There are three things I find important.
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