²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Have you ever been walking somewhere in public — maybe the mall or grocery store — and had someone speak to you but you didn’t recognize them? Maybe they even asked about your spouse or children by name but you just couldn’t place them? You wait, anticipating the moment when they will finally reveal their identity but, often, it doesn’t happen. Ugggh!! It is so frustrating and happens to me more times than I’d care to admit.

However, I am not alone. If we look at scripture, Jesus Himself wasn’t recognized by several of the people who walked with Him and knew Him intimately until He revealed His identity.

In John 20:15-26 we see Mary Magdalene, who new Jesus very well, yet she was unable to recognize Her Savior.  “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” ¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). The way that He spoke her name, revealed that He was her Teacher.

Again, Jesus appears to two on the road who did not recognize Him as He walked with them. ²⁸ So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, ²⁹ but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. ³⁰ When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. ³² They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:28-31. The way that He broke the bread and blessed the meal, revealed that He was their Jesus.

And, when Jesus appeared to the Disciples, even they didn’t recognize Him. “Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.” John 21:4. When the disciples experienced a catch of fish the way that they had in Luke 5 (when He called the first disciples), He revealed His identity.

There is much discussion about why those who knew Jesus so well didn’t recognize Him. With regard to Mary, some say that it was because she was weeping and others say because it was dark. Scripture indicates that the two on the road, were “kept from knowing”. “But their eyes were kept from recognizing him” Luke 24:16. The disciples failed to recognize Him as well. “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” John 21:4. And, again, some say that it was due to the lack of light while others say it was because they were so far from shore that they couldn’t clearly see Him.

There are many reasons why those who knew Jesus so intimately might not have recognized Him. One of those reasons is that the last time they had seen Jesus, He was so badly beaten that He was unrecognizable. “Just as there were many who were appalled at him— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness.” Isaiah 52:14. Another reason is that they didn’t fully grasp what He had told them when He said He would rise again in three days, so they thought Him dead and didn’t expect to see Him.

But really, why they didn’t recognize Jesus is irrelevant.

What is relevant is that He revealed Himself to them and eventually, they did recognize Him.

• Jesus revealed Himself to Mary Magdalene (John 20:16-17).
• Jesus revealed Himself to the other woman (Matthew 28:8-10).
• Jesus revealed Himself to two disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:34).
• Jesus revealed Himself to the Disciples without Thomas (Luke 24:36).
• Jesus revealed Himself to the Disciples with Thomas (John 20:26-29).
• Jesus revealed Himself to the seven Disciples at the sea (John 21:1-2).
• Jesus revealed Himself to the five hundred (1 Corinthians 15:6).
• Jesus revealed Himself to James (1 Corinthians 15:7).
• Jesus revealed Himself at His ascension (Luke 24:50-53).

Jesus is still revealed today.

He is revealed to those who don’t know Him through nature, through those who love Him, and through His word.

Jesus is revealed when we seek Him. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. Are we seeking Him?

For those of us who know Jesus, He is revealed to us when we minister to those in need. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.”  Matthew 25:35. Do we recognize Him? Are we meeting His need(s)?

He will be revealed when He returns to receive us unto Himself. “And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” Colossians 3:4. Will we recognize Him?

Father in Heaven, I pray that today, we would seek you and that you would reveal yourself to each of us over and over and over. Of even greater importance, Lord, I pray that you would not go unrecognized. I also pray that we would serve you by meeting the needs of those around us and that you would be revealed through us. And, Lord, we await the sound of the trumpet and your glorious return. Maranatha, come Lord Jesus come.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and pray the prayer that is outlined there. Jesus, through His love and your repentance, wants to be revealed to you. He desires to have a loving, forgiving, personal relationship with you.

Once you have prayed this prayer, please reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com. I’d love to be in prayer for you.

Luv Ya!