Mercy has Overcome 1

Mercy has Overcome 1

Sunday, we looked at the resurrection of Jesus from the view of Mary Magdalene.
If you have time, watch The Chosen’s reenactment of Jesus healing Mary at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UWtsPuAosY

We know that Jesus cast out seven demons from Mary of Magdala, but we know nothing else about her life before that event. She is called Magdalene because she was from the Sea of Galilee coastal town of Magdala.

Some try to say that Mary was the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in Luke 7:36 or even the Mary of Bethany but this is not true. Mary was a very common name in the first century as you see as you read the Bible. Another false claim is that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married; this lie began because of a Gnostic writing from the fourth century.

In Mary’s grief and confusion, Jesus met her and called her by name.
You feel special when someone calls you by name. It means you matter to that person.
Sometimes, we feel horrible when we forget someone's name.
Why? Because that person is important to us, and we may have hurt them because we had a brain freeze.

Learn people’s names and call them by name. I know it is hard, but it is worth it.
(Use the name of a departed loved one also, yes, the person may cry, but it is so powerful to hear the name of your loved one who has passed away. It let’s people know that their loved one is not forgotten.)

When Vicki and I went to Cincinnati Bible College, Professor Henderson learned all the incoming freshmen’s names. We all stood in the gym, and when he would point at us and say our name, we sat down. It was impressive that he learned the names of over 200 students.

I know as I get older, it is harder to remember names, but that is not an excuse for us to do our best.

If we love one another as Jesus commands, then we need to know one another's names.

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The more important point is that Jesus knows your name.
You are special to Jesus!

     Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

God knows you; He knows the number of hairs on your head. He also knows your name.
You are a sheep in Jesus’ flock; Jesus is your Shepherd, and He knows your name.

John 10:3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Jesus also knew the name of the one who was persecuting His church.

  Acts 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Jesus called Mary by name; Jesus called Saul (Apostle Paul) by name; He calls you by name.
Remember today that you are loved and called by name.

Since Jesus acknowledges you in love, let’s recognize Him in the way we live and speak.

Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.