John 20:16 | Hearing God Isn’t Always Loud

John 20:16 (World English Bible) is one of the most personal resurrection moments in the entire Bible. Mary Magdalene is weeping in a garden, unable to recognize Jesus, and then everything turns on one word. Jesus says her name: “Mary.” No argument. No explanation. A voice. A name. Recognition.

In this episode of Formation to Transformation: A Worship Devotional, we connect the Shepherd theme from Psalm 23 and John 10 to its emotional and theological landing in John 20. Jesus promised, “My sheep hear my voice” and “He calls his own sheep by name.” Here, that promise becomes embodied. The risen Christ does not begin with correction or a lecture. He begins with relationship.

John highlights a quiet but powerful order. Jesus speaks first. Mary responds. That order matters for spiritual formation because it reshapes how we think about worship, prayer, and growth. We do not climb our way into belonging. We are called. Grace initiates. Our turning becomes worship.

Mary’s response, “Rabboni,” carries intimacy and trust. It is not a detached title. It is the language of someone whose life has been gathered by love. If you have ever felt like you cannot hear God, or you have been in a season where grief, disappointment, trauma, or exhaustion has clouded your vision, this passage offers a steady hope. Jesus is not annoyed by tears. He is not distant in confusion. He is present, and his voice is personal.

This is a verse by verse devotional for worship leaders, church leaders, creatives, and anyone who wants a deeper life with Jesus. Worship is more than singing. Worship is recognition. Worship is attention. Worship is turning toward what is true when the Shepherd speaks.