First Sightings
Now when she [Mary] had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” John 20:14-16
We learn from a number of Bible passages that the risen Lord was first seen by Mary Magdalene. She had a long and close relationship with Jesus. She had been possessed by seven demons. Jesus cast them out. She was among the women who “provided for Him from their substance.” (Luke 8:1-3) She looked on with grief at the foot of Jesus’ cross, and sat weeping at His tomb early on Easter morning. A Man whom she supposed to be the gardener asked her, “Why are you weeping?” She replied, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away."
Then, with a single word, Jesus revealed Himself. That word was her name, “Mary!” Overcome with instant recognition and surprised joy, she reached out to grasp Him, and was given the mission of taking the news of His resurrection to the disciples.
Have you been delivered from the devil’s power by Jesus? Have you followed Him, supported His work, and been a witness of His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection? Have you, at times, succumbed to grief and gloom as though Jesus had not risen? Take heart, because our risen Lord Jesus knows you by your name, too! He has promised that He will call you from the grave to glorious life, for He declared, “Because I live, you will live also." (John 14:19) All these blessings have been given to you by faith through the powerful Word of God, along with the assurance that your faith will someday turn to sight.
I am Jesus' little lamb, Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me, Knows my need, and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same, Even calls me by my name.
The Lutheran Hymnal 648:1