Written By
Riley Parsons
Professional Writing Student
Jesus calls us by name personally, redemptively and with grace. In the midst of college stress and entering new eras of adulthood, this devotional reminds GCU students that their true identity is found in Christ, who says, “You are mine.”
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Approved and verified accurate by the Local Outreach Ministry Coordinator of Spiritual Life on Aug. 27, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
College can feel like a whirlwind sometimes.
Between juggling classes, relationships, finances, entering new eras of adulthood or even struggles with mental health, it’s easy to lose sight of who you really are. I’ve been there (and more than once, at that), feeling like my worth is tied to my grades or how well I’m holding everything together.
But in those moments, I remember how scripture gently reminds us: your identity isn’t found in your performance or struggles. It’s found in the One who knows your name: Jesus.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
— Isaiah 43:1, NIV
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.
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I know how loud anxiety can be. How convincing and draining depression feels. They can whisper lies like, “You’re not enough,” or “You’re alone.”
But God speaks louder. He says:
You are redeemed (Isaiah 43:1). You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9). You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10).
This is who you are. Not who the world says you should be. Not who your worst day tries to define you as. But who God says you are, and that identity is steady, even when your emotions and surroundings may not be.
So, what exactly is your name?
Not just the one on your student ID or Halo login, but the one Jesus speaks over you?
At Grand Canyon University, this journey of self-discovery isn’t just a Sunday thing. Or a Monday morning Chapel thing. It’s woven into everyday life — through conversations in classrooms and out of them, moments in the residence halls and apartments. Even the tough days when you’re just trying to make it through (like when you drop your GCBC order).
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Jesus meets you right where you are. He calls you by name, not to shame you, but to remind you: you belong to Him. That’s both law and gospel. It’s the truth that we need Him, and the grace that He’s already chosen us.
You are His.
