Jesus’s Words to Mary

Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white. . . . They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. “Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” . . . She said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). John 20:10-16

I am one who is usually not at a loss for words, and I have been known to put my foot in my mouth on many occasions. When I was nineteen years old and engaged to the pastor I informed some of the women in the church, “John said he would rather just live with me than take a blood test for our marriage license. He hates needles.” I think I received a kick under the table for that one!

The words we speak and the words that are spoken to us are tools. So how did Jesus use His words? What were the first words He spoke when He rose from the dead and conquered sin, death, and hell? Who was the first person He spoke to when He experienced victory? He spoke to Mary Magdalene!

Mary Magdalene answered Jesus’ questions without knowing who He was. She desperately wanted to know where Jesus’ body had been taken. Her whole world seemed to be falling apart. She had invested the past few years of her life ministering to Jesus. He was her Savior—spiritually, physically, and in every way imaginable. And now He was not only dead, His body was gone. It was her worst moment, and all she wanted was Him! She hadn’t left the empty tomb like the others and gone home. She was still looking for Him!

Jesus answered her question by saying her name, “Mary!” Instantly, she recognized Jesus when He said her name. Her response was to cry out, “Rabboni!” which means “teacher.” Mary was trying to make sense of everything. She had seen Him die and now He stood before her. How confused she must have been. No wonder her first spoken word on seeing Jesus was “Rabboni!” She wanted Him to make sense of it all—to teach her!

Heavenly Father, in my worst moments, what words do I use? Do I call out for Jesus? When He calls my name, do I call Him “Teacher” and ask for understanding? Do I ask Him to teach me something in my worst moments? Help me to speak the right words and know to whom to speak them. Help me look for those who are broken and help them. Give me the courage to tell them about my Savior instead of simply speaking about myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.