“Mary!”

Seeking Jesus First - August 21, 2026

“Mary!”

Please Read John 20:11–18 (NKJV)

ReflectionBut Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”

Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary!”

She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

Mary came looking for a body. She left having met the risen Lord. The turning point was a single word spoken with personal knowledge and love: “Mary!” In that moment recognition flooded her heart. She reached out to hold on to Him, but Jesus gently redirected her. The old form of nearness was not returning. Something far greater had begun.

For the first time He calls the disciples “My brethren.” Then He makes the family declaration: “My Father and your Father.” The finished work has opened the way for us to become sons and daughters. Jesus is the firstborn among many brethren. Now, by His Spirit in us, we cry out, “Abba, Father.” Mary was not losing Jesus; she was being sent by Him into this new family reality. The first resurrection appearance became the first commission: “Go and tell My brethren.”

ApplicationToday, remember that the risen Jesus still calls His own by name. He meets us in our weeping and turns confusion into recognition.

Renew your mind with this truth: We no longer cling to a merely physical presence. Through the Holy Spirit, the risen Christ dwells with us and in us, and we have received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” Receive His nearness by the Spirit, live as a beloved son or daughter, and go tell others what you have seen and heard. Personal encounter with Jesus always leads to commission.

PrayerHeavenly Father, thank You that Jesus appeared first to Mary and called her by name. Thank You that He now calls us His brethren and declares that Your Fatherhood is ours. We release any attempt to hold on to You in the old way and receive the greater gift of Your Spirit who dwells with us and in us. By that Spirit we cry, “Abba, Father.” Send us, as You sent Mary, to tell others that we have seen the Lord. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.