Just a thought from Scripture to encourage you about how much Jesus loves us. It’s been a good time reflecting and getting ready to share the real significance of Easter tomorrow. When I was preparing things with this passage from John 20, the personal, intimate love of Jesus (who is the same God that created you and me … and everything) — look at what He says to Mary Magdalene …
John 20 [13] They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” [14] At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
[15] “Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
[16] Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
When Mary was sad … missing her Lord – look at what Jesus says to get her attention … to connect with her — one powerful word — her name — “Mary!” The original language gives us the idea that he said it with tenderness and compassion.
What an amazing God! He knows our name … and longs to be with us. Romans 5 [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That’s Easter.
I never get tired of the stories of Jesus. Just think again, the Bible tells us that Jesus is the same one, true God from the Old Testament (John 8:53-58; Titus 2:13). He’s God in the flesh — I can never get over that.
I hope you sense the Lord calling your name today.