Called By Name

To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 

John 10:3  

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

John 20:16 

Christ says He calls His Own by name. In the broad sense, we can apply this to His call of His redeemed unto salvation. In the narrow sense, we can say He calls His Own by name in specific instances and on special occasions. He spoke to Saul of Tarsus by name on the Damascus Road. He spoke to Peter by name to convince him to take the gospel to the gentiles. In our text, He spoke to Mary by name to reveal to her that He had risen from the dead. This was a wonderful moment for Mary. She loved Him deeply; had followed Him faithfully; seen Him die horrifically; mourned Him thoroughly; and now sought to bury Him properly. What she was not expecting was to hear Him audibly call her by name. The recognition that came with Christ calling her by name thrilled her thoroughly. It gave her hope, faith, and joy. She turned to embrace the One she loved most. When we are at our lowest, have lost our sight of Christ, and are grieving deeply, it restores our faith, hope and joy to hear Him call us by name. By the power of His Holy Spirit, He still does.  

Our Gracious and Loving Savior, 
we praise You that You know us by name. 
We rejoice that when we are at our lowest, 
You call us and turn our eyes to You. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning