Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 20:16, “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to Him, ‘Rabboni,’ which is to say, Teacher.”
Background
Much has been made of the moment when Mary Magdalene recognizes the risen Jesus. Emphasis is usually put on the fact that Mary had seen Him and the two had spoken to one another without any reaction from Mary, but when Jesus says her name, Mary then realizes that the risen Lord is before her. Many people will spiritualize this encounter, telling us to listen for Jesus calling our name so that we may know and follow Him. We are reminded that He calls His sheep by name, and that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. We might be told something like ignore or block out all the noise and clutter of the world and listen for the voice of Jesus. Now, those messages probably have their place, especially where they remain true to the scripture. But when the risen Jesus walked with the two men on the road to Emmaus, He spent hours explaining the scriptures to them, but they did not recognize Him until He sat with them and broke bread and blessed it. So, is it also important to listen for Jesus while we’re eating (maybe that’s why Baptists incorporate food into every gathering!)? Rather than try to take an individual encounter and turn it into some nebulous form of discipleship, pay greater attention to the extremes that Mary went to in order to find Jesus. Or go back to the beginning of scripture and see Jesus in the writings of Moses and the prophets.
Application
And when you seek Him diligently, and you hear His voice, whether you’re broken and distraught in a garden or wandering hopeless on the road, let Him be your teacher. As Jesus said in Matthew 11, we know the Father only as Jesus wills to reveal Him. And when He does, He calls us who labor and are heavy laden to take on His yoke which is easy and His burden which is light, and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart, giving rest for our souls. Jesus is most definitely speaking. How will His message get through to you?
Charge
As we seek Him today, honestly assess how badly you want to know and be known by the Lord Jesus. Then let that determine your next steps.
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Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
