“Your life isn’t background noise to Jesus. It’s the song He’s leaned in to hear.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 4, 2025
“Mary!” Jesus said. John 20:16
I have an unusual first name that is typically a last name. It’s common for people to confuse me with Floyd or Lloyd. As a young man, I was overly self-conscious and felt insecure about having a peculiar name. However, over time, I learned to spell it slowly: B-O-Y-D or say, “Boy with a D.” Even then, “ Boy” still imprints my pickup order of Mexican food. Gratefully, God always knows my name, with an added “Boyd, you are my beloved son, in whom my favor rests.” This reminds me of the first encounter Mary, or anyone, had with Jesus post-resurrection. With a tender tone and personal touch, Mary, through her tears, hears Jesus tenderly call her name.
It was early. The sky was just waking up, and so was the garden. But Mary Magdalene wasn’t there to admire the sunrise—she was there to mourn. The tomb that once held the body of Jesus—her Teacher, her Healer, her Hope—was now empty. And empty tombs don’t usually feel like good news when you’re grieving. Through her tears, she sees a man. Maybe the gardener? Maybe someone who knows where Jesus’ body has been taken? “Sir,” she pleads, “if you’ve moved him, tell me where He is…” She doesn’t recognize Him at first—grief can blur your vision. But then it happens. One word. One name. “Mary.” Not a lecture. Not a sermon. Just her name—spoken with that familiar tone only one voice in the universe could carry.
And in that instant, everything changes. Her world flips from despair to joy, from darkness to light. She turns and cries out, “Rabboni!”—a term of reverence, intimacy, and love. Teacher. Master. Lord. Jesus didn’t just rise from the dead. He rose and returned to the one who needed Him, to the one who couldn’t see through the sorrow, to the one who just needed to be reminded: I see you. I know you. You’re not alone. He doesn’t shame her for not recognizing Him. He simply calls her by name. That’s how Jesus works. He knows how to get our attention—not with thunder, but with tenderness. And then, after this deeply personal moment, He gently redirects her: “Don’t cling to me… but go and tell the others.” It’s as if He’s saying, “This moment is real, but it’s not the end. There’s more to come—more life, more mission, more of Me.” Jesus didn’t just rise in power. He rose in personal pursuit. He met Mary in her tears and called her by name. And He does the same for us. In our confusion, in our grief, in the places where we think He’s absent, He’s actually standing with us, waiting to speak one word that will change everything: Our name. Lean in and listen to the Lord say your name.
Whether tears of grief or tears of joy, Jesus remains close by to comfort or celebrate with you. He knows your name. He knows your circumstances. He knows your fears. He knows your hopes. He knows you. Have you ever felt that peculiar ache of being in a crowded room where no one truly sees you? Then imagine this: the Creator of constellations knows not just your name, but the quiet questions you’ve never spoken aloud. When tears slide down your cheeks at 2 AM, Jesus doesn’t simply notice—He collects them. The same hands that measured out oceans know exactly how your shoulders carry their invisible burdens. That promotion you’re hoping for? That relationship healing you’re praying about? He’s tracking every detail. This isn’t the distant recognition of a celebrity who vaguely remembers meeting you once. This is the intimate knowing of someone who has memorized the map of your heart—every dream, detour, and dead end. Your life isn’t background noise to Him. It’s the song He’s leaned in to hear. He knows you. He wants what’s best for you. Listen to the Lord call your name and then follow what He says!
Prayer
Lord, I’m in awe that You know my name. In the noise and chaos, You see me. Call me close again. Let me rest in Your personal, unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Application
What is unique about you, other than your name, that the Lord loves about you?
Related Reading
Psalm 139:1-2; Isaiah 43:1; John 10:3; Luke 10:20
Worship Resource
Tasha Cobb Leonard feat. Jimi Cravity: You Know My Name
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