Throughout the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), Jesus doesn’t pointlessly interact with people. Instead, He calls them by name and shows them that He is their Savior. These moments are anything but random, they’re transformative.
There’s something powerful about being called by name.
Think about it, names carry weight. When your mom uses your full name (middle and last included), you know you’re in trouble. Or when a professor cold-calls on you in class, your name can suddenly feel like a spotlight, exposing you in a moment you weren’t ready for. In those situations, your name feels sharp, maybe even a little threatening.
But then there are the other moments. When someone gently says your name while you’re crying. When a friend calls your name just to check in. When someone sees you, not just as a face in the crowd, but as you. In those moments, your name becomes grounding. Comforting. It reminds you that you’re not invisible.
That’s exactly how Jesus uses names in scripture. Not to shame or embarrass, but to restore, to invite, to love. He doesn’t yell your name from a distance to point out your failures. He speaks closely and directly.
I think about Mary Magdalene at Jesus' tomb the most often. She was overwhelmed with grief, probably feeling lost and alone because her friend, whom she knew and followed, died a horrific death. But then that friend, Jesus, suddenly appeared and said, “Mary.” Just her name. And everything changed. She knew it was Him and that what He had been telling her (that He was the Messiah) was true!
Another example is Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree just to get a glimpse of Jesus. He probably thought he’d stay hidden and unnoticed by the crowd (and maybe, as a tax collector, he wanted to). But Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus,” because He knew he was there. That moment wasn’t just about being seen, it was about being invited into grace. A new beginning.
Both of these stories remind me: when Jesus says your name, it’s not random. It’s not by chance. It’s healing. It’s a reminder that you are known, loved and called.
