Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!”
(which is to say, Teacher).
Jesus is Rabboni, an unusual descriptive term for the usual word “Rabbi,” or “teacher.” The title “Rabboni” was not used by just anyone or any student; those who had a special relationship to the rabbi used the title “Rabboni.” Because Jesus had to cast demons out of Mary Magdalene, she called Him Rabboni. Because Jesus had given sight to blind Bartimaeus, he too called Jesus Rabboni (Mark 10:51). You should be as grateful as Mary Magdalene, who called Him Rabboni because she was grateful for the forgiveness of sin. You should be as grateful as Bartimaeus, who called Him Rabboni because he was grateful for the work of God in his life.
Jesus, You are my special Rabboni because You have forgiven my sins and revealed Yourself to me. You have worked in my life.
Jesus is Rabboni; but not everyone can call Him by this unique title because not everyone has a saving relationship to Him. But because you believe in Christ, you have a special relationship to Him. He becomes Rabboni to those who desire to know Him intimately (Philippians 3:10). Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). If that’s your passion, you can call Him Rabboni.
You are my Rabboni. I am grateful for the new life You gave me. You are the resurrected Christ, the One whom Mary saw on that first Easter morning. And like Mary, I call You Rabboni with deepest love and lasting commitment. Amen.
Jesus is Rabboni to those who have a special relationship to Him.
