When He Said My Name

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). – John 20:16

There’s something about that verse that gives me chills. The good kind. The kind that stirs something deep in my soul.

Mary stood outside the tomb, heartbroken and confused. The one she loved, the one she believed in, was gone. She didn’t recognize Jesus at first. Not through the tears. Not through the grief. Not until… He said her name.

Just one word.

“Mary.”

And suddenly, everything changed. The sorrow lifted. The confusion faded. Hope came rushing back in. She knew that voice. She knew it was Him.

I can’t read that part without imagining Him saying my name.

“Amanda.”

It brings tears to my eyes every time. Because I remember when He did.

When I first truly turned my life to Him, it felt just like that moment. It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It wasn’t a lightning bolt from heaven. It was gentle. Quiet. Deep. A whisper to my soul.

“Amanda.”

And I knew it was Him.

I didn’t recognize Him in all the noise of the world. I was grieving. Lost. Searching. But when He spoke my name, it was like my heart turned toward Him all at once. I saw Him clearly, not just as a distant God, but as my Savior. My Comforter. My Hope.

Just like Mary.

It amazes me how Jesus didn’t reveal Himself to the masses first. He came to a grieving woman and spoke her name. That’s how personal He is. That’s how intimate His love is.

He meets us in our brokenness. He speaks in a way only we will recognize. And when we hear Him, truly hear Him, it changes everything.

Have you heard Him speak your name?

Maybe He’s whispering it now.

And maybe today is your moment to turn and say, “Rabboni.”

My Teacher. My Savior. My Jesus.