Why did Mary recognize Jesus' voice when He called her name?
Mary recognized Jesus' voice because she had been close to Him throughout His earthly ministry and had heard Him call her name many times. When He spoke the single word “Mary,” she knew it was the Master even though she did not yet recognize Him by sight.
Les teaches that Mary was so close to the Lord Jesus during His earthly ministry that she had probably heard Him call her “Mary” many, many times. So when Jesus speaks her name in John 20, she immediately knows who it is. Les compares this to hearing a familiar voice from radio, television, or movies and knowing who it is without seeing them, only by the voice. Even though Mary could not recognize Him outwardly, she knew Him by His voice. She then turned and said unto Him, “Rabboni,” which is to say, Master.
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
See the restMore Questions
Did Mary recognize Jesus when she saw him at the tomb?
In John's Gospel, Mary saw Jesus standing there but did not recognize him; she thought he was the gardener and said that if he had taken Jesus away, she would take him away if he told her where he had laid him.