John 20

Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). v.16

Read chapter 20

Jesus speaks her name and she immediately knows who He is.  Mary, who had been with the Lord often during Jesus' time on earth no doubt knew His voice, especially how He said her voice in that loving, tender way.  I always wonder why she didn't recognize Him physically at first, thinking He was the gardner.  Maybe it was because her eyes were so filled with tears she saw blurry?  Maybe it was because she assumed the gardner had moved Him because that was the only logical thing?  But the voice of the Lord cleared up any blurriness or assumption all by calling out to her.  The voice of the Lord is heard quickly and clearly by those that know God.  Just as a mother can tell her baby's cry among many crying babies, so ought the believer be able to recognize the Lord's voice among all the false gods.  So also our God knows us by name among the billions of people that He's created.  With just one word, her name, it was the best joy and comfort that solved her problem- oh how the presence of the Lord is truly felt in a time of sorrow.  Also note the first words and first appearing to of the risen Jesus is to a woman who was a devoted follower.  If the Lord called you by name would you recognize His voice?  Is all you need to hear right now for Jesus to speak your name to comfort you in your sorrow to know He's near?