Mary Magdalene stands outside the tomb, weeping. She has seen Jesus die. Whatever hope she once carried has been buried with him. Even when she turns and sees a man standing there, she does not recognize him. Why would she? Resurrection is not what she expects.

She assumes he is the gardener. She speaks to him out of grief and confusion, still trying to make sense of what has been lost.

And then everything changes with a single word.

"Mary."

Jesus does not argue with her. He does not explain what has happened. He does not offer proof or theology. He simply calls her by name.

And in that moment, she knows.

There is something deeply personal here. Mary does not come to belief through explanation but through recognition. She knows the voice. It is the voice of the one who has known her, called her, and loved her.

It echoes what Jesus said earlier: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27, CEB).

We often want clarity before we trust. We want answers before we respond. But Mary's experience suggests something different. Recognition can come before understanding. Relationship can come before explanation.

Jesus still calls people by name.

He meets us in places of grief, confusion, and unanswered questions. He speaks, not always in ways we expect, but in ways that reach us personally.

Faith, then, is not figuring everything out. It is recognizing that we are known.

And when we hear our name spoken in love, we begin to see what we could not see before.

Father, thank you for calling us into relationship with you through Jesus. Help us to know the voice of our shepherd and follow it. In the name of the one who calls to us, Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

This conversation occurred early one morning several days after Jesus walked out of His tomb alive. Early one morning after eating a breakfast of fish miraculously caught by the disciples. Perhaps Jesus asked Peter three times to remind Peter that He knew of the three times Peter had denied even knowing Jesus, in the courtyard of the High Priest, the night before Jesus was crucified.

Or perhaps Jesus just wanted this conversation, this question, to be imprinted indelibly in Peter's memory and ours. I'm sure the request to "feed my sheep" was a call to action for Peter and for us. "If you love me, feed my sheep." Peter sure did! He became a prominent preacher and leader in Jerusalem and Antioch after Christ's resurrection. He authored several of the Epistles/letters in the New Testament and helped to spread the Gospel – the Good News of Jesus – to the world beyond Judaism, to the Gentiles, to us!

And Jesus didn't just forgive Peter for denying him. Jesus restored him.

Jesus is always waiting to restore us too. When we are afraid or deeply suffering, Jesus is there with us, waiting to help. Like Peter, he also asks us to "feed His sheep," to LOVE our neighbors, and to forgive as much as we wish to be forgiven. We are asked to feed the hungry – those hungry for bodily food and those hungry for LOVE – God's LOVE.

Let's remind Him that we LOVE Him by helping with the feeding – offering our time, our resources, and our LOVE generously, sharing our food with the hungry in body and spirit.

Let's demonstrate to Jesus that we truly do LOVE Him and our neighbors. AMEN!

This devotional was written and read by Bernice Sanders

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

You are listening to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

This is Scripture Saturday, a time when we pause and reflect on the scriptures we have read throughout the week. If you missed any of our devotionals on these passages, you can find them on our website at 1stChurch.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now, we invite you to listen and receive Grace. Welcome and thank you for joining us.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Every time I listen to these verses, I revisit my childhood. Little Golden Books filled my bookshelves. One book, in particular, had a picture of Jesus, surrounded by children: one little boy comfy on his lap with a lamb also being held. As a child, this picture brought comfort and a sense of love and belonging. Perhaps that is why I remember it so clearly. As an adult, it is still moving.

In Biblical days, children held little to no status in the community. They were expected to contribute to the household economy. My understanding is that children were required to complete menial tasks such as agriculture or trades. Others were committed to education with tutors and sent to school. Boys were exposed to academic subjects and girls were taught to run a home. Regardless, they were treated and considered as property. While it may seem somewhat conflicting, children were considered as a "gift from the Lord" and highly valued.

Keeping all this in mind, picture this — a large group of people have gathered to hear Jesus teach. Many parents and children were present. It appears that the mothers deeply desired for Jesus to touch and bless their children.

The disciples were trying to protect Jesus. They didn't want those "pesky" little kids to take his time or energy. In their eyes, the children were no one important, in fact they were the least important. Imagine their shock when Jesus was angry, quite displeased at their attempted dismissal of those children. After all, they had been with him when he dined with tax collectors, sinners and more. Even so, they still didn't catch on that Jesus came to serve and save the humble, the least, the lost and the unwanted.

The children found their way to Jesus. He embraced them, he blessed them, he acknowledged their worth. Their minds were open to him; their hearts were eager to accept his love, his touch, his blessing; they received this gift — not by being worthy or because they earned it. They received his love, embrace and blessing with childlike joy, trust and faith.

We are to come to God and encourage others — even those we don't consider worthy, knowing that in God's eyes every person is valuable. We are all created in God's image and loved unconditionally. We are all God's children. We can become our true selves by listening to God's voice.

Today's a good day to embrace our child-like joy and trust. Today we are invited to run to Jesus with open hearts and simple faith, not to rely on our adult "head knowledge". After all, Jesus told us to let the children come to him, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

We are invited to encounter his touch, love and blessings today and every day.

Gracious God, we ask that you open our eyes as children today. Filled with wonder and trust we seek your blessing. Guide us to see the children, your children who may seem "less than" ourselves and others and remember that all are valuable in your sight. Allow us to seek your voice and embrace your love and blessings so that we might be, not a hindrance, but a vessel of your love for others.

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

There are times that I would like to know more than what the Bible tells us. The story of the woman anointing the feet of Jesus is just such an occurrence. Something must have occurred earlier in the day between her and Jesus. We are not told about any encounter but it had to have happened. Why else would she barge into someone's house with a jar of perfumed ointment to anoint Jesus' feet. Just seeing him causes such emotion that she begins to cry. The only thing we know about her is that society labeled her a sinner. My guess is that earlier in the day Jesus had talked to her with warmth and acceptance. In that encounter Jesus must have showed her how much he cared, that he saw her, not as a sinner, but as a person with hurts and pain. He would have let her know that God loved her. It was likely the first time, in a long time, if ever, something like that had happened in her life. She would have been used to being shunned by the good people of the town. This encounter filled her with such joy that she had to do something to say thank you. This is why she came to the house of Simon the Pharisee with perfumed ointment.

Following the anointing she heard an even more impressive word from Jesus. He said, "You sins are forgiven." She walked into that gathering labeled by all a sinner and walked out clean and new.

This story makes me ask, "How often am I really grateful for what God has done and is doing in my life? Many days I say a quick "Thank you" to God but that is different from the actions of the woman. I rarely feel so overwhelmed by the message of love and forgiveness God gives that I feel compelled to do something as a way of saying thank you. Yet, when I think about it, it is pretty amazing that God loves me as I am and offers love and forgiveness to me every day. I need to learn from this woman to be more aware and grateful and to share that joy as a way of saying thanks.

It reminds me of a woman that volunteered a lot at a church. She was not a member but helped in many service projects. One day I asked her why. She responded, "God is so amazing. I just need to do something to say thanks." There was more to the story but I never learned it. But one thing was clear, something wonderful had happened to her or one she loved and it motivated her to give in thanks in a real practical way.

So, remember how much God loves you. Let it fill you with joy and amazement. Hear, "Your sins are forgiven!" Then ask, what can I do to say thanks.

Loving God, you love us and forgive us. We are in awe of your grace. Let us never forget this wonderful gift and how it changed our lives. We may not be able to anoint Jesus feet but we ask that you guide us in how we can share this love with others as a sign of our gratitude. In Jesus name. AMEN

This devotional was written by Bill Green and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Children can be a blessing, a burden, a joy, and a challenge all at the same time. Children can be innocent, open, and loving. They can be cruel, immature, and thoughtless. When Jesus says that we must "receive the kingdom of God as little children or we will never enter it," which qualities of a child does he have in mind? I have often contemplated what this passage might mean, but I cannot claim to know what the answer is.

As I write this today, my best attempt to understand Jesus' command is the childlike quality of "longing to be loved" and accepting comfort and security. As we grow and mature, at least in progression of age if not in emotion and behavior, the qualities we develop are to take on responsibility and attempt to control our interactions with life's circumstances and those around us. But in these verses, all the children seek is to be close to Jesus. They long to be near him. And perhaps it is as simple as that.

If we compare these two stages of life, what is it we most value in children that we are not finding in adults? Being open to what is happening around us and loving in the moment, finding joy, sharing in sadness, helping without feeling put out, and simply being are qualities I admire in children. They do not feel the need to control and shape. They simply are. When I see a child's face light up in wonder, run into a mother's arms, or invite another to share in an experience, this is when I feel close to the kingdom of God. As each moment of the day passes, perhaps I should look not to control but simply to stand in wonder, feel the embrace of the Spirit, and share in the experience of those around me with love. In fact, if we live every moment simply remembering that everyone longs to be loved, aren't we standing next to God?

Let us pray together, Lord, may we find peace and comfort in the arms of the Spirit. May your embrace allow us to embrace each moment guided by your Spirit. May we be blessed in your arms and not be the one standing indignant shouting that the business of the day is being interrupted. Please bring us greater understanding that it is your will, your love, and your grace that allows us to see each moment clearly. Give us the insight to share your will, your love, and your grace with all those we encounter, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Commitment.

The word commitment has been on my mind lately. What does it mean to be committed? What are we committed to — ourselves, our work, our family? What about our religion? Are we a committed Christian?

This is what the Word says in Jeremiah 7:23:

How do we become a committed Christian?

First of all, a committed Christian will put God first and make him the Lord of his life. He will study the Word and listen for God's voice. He will attend worship services. He will serve wherever he can. He will tithe his resources — everything belongs to God, and we are just giving back to him what he owns anyway. He will also be a recruiter for Jesus.

A committed Christian will have the conviction that Jesus is the way — the only way.

As we begin this year, let's strive to be a committed Christian every day.

John 10:27 says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Oh, Heavenly Father, may I be so close to you every day that I hear your voice and obey. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Ralphine Hood.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Honestly, this is my favorite prayer in the Bible. Not because it's the most eloquent, or the most theologically precise. Because it's the most true.

"I believe; help my unbelief."

Seven words that hold the whole complicated reality of what faith actually feels like from the inside — at least for me. Not the version we think we're supposed to have. The real thing. The version that shows up at two in the morning when the problem is real, and the prayer I've been praying for years still hasn't been answered.

I believe. And also — I'm not sure. Both things, at the same time, in the same breath.

This father has been watching his son suffer since childhood. Seizures. Falls into fire, into water. Years of this. He came to Jesus's disciples first, and they couldn't help. So by the time Jesus arrives, this man's faith has been through things that would test anyone's. When he says "if you can do anything," that if is doing a lot of work. It's not the language of someone standing on solid ground. It's the language of someone who has hoped before and learned to be careful about hoping.

And Jesus doesn't rebuke him for the if. Doesn't send him away to shore up his faith before coming back. He heals the boy.

What gets me about this story is that the man's prayer is essentially an admission of failure. By every standard of confident, mountain-moving faith, he's falling short. He knows it. He says so out loud, right there in front of Jesus.

And that turns out to be exactly the right thing to say.

I think about all the times I've stayed quiet in prayer because I didn't feel certain enough. All the times I've dressed up my doubts in more acceptable language because I was afraid that bringing my actual faith — small and mixed and honest as it is — wouldn't be enough. As if Jesus needed me to perform certainty before he could work.

This father didn't perform anything. He just told the truth.

Maybe that's what faith actually looks like most of the time. Not a feeling of absolute certainty. Not the absence of doubt. Just the honesty to say out loud what's actually true — I believe this, but I'm not sure I believe it enough. And somehow, in this story, that admission is the very thing Jesus works with.

Jesus doesn't fill up the father's faith like a tank running low. He responds to the father's honesty. That's a different kind of grace entirely — one that meets us in our transparency rather than waiting for our certainty.

And that prayer has never been turned away. Ever.

Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief. We don't bring you our certainty — we rarely have enough. We bring you the truth about where we actually are. Meet us there. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Cliff McCartney.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.