And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. John 20:14 KJV
There are times when we fail to recognize somebody because they have changed their hairstyle, wardrobe, began to wear makeup or we just haven’t seen them in a long time.
Once they tell us who they are, we sometimes respond, “Oh my, it’s been so long, I didn’t even recognize you!”
Then we begin to think about how long we have known them and what we really remember about them.
Mary Magdalene was one of the women who stood nearby when Jesus was hung, bled, and died on the cross (John 19:25).
After His death she watched as He was quickly buried (Matthew 27:60-61).
Early the next morning, she went to the tomb to give His body a more appropriate treatment.
When she arrived, she found the stone rolled away and His body gone (John 20:1-2).
She then went to get Peter and John, who looked in the grave and left without having too much to say (John 20:2-10).
Mary remained alone, crying and when she looked up, she saw “two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain (John 20-11-12).
She didn’t realize they were angels. She just saw them as males sitting by the tomb.
The angels said unto her, “Woman, why weepest thou? (v. 13).
Her response was, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him” (v.13)
After she finish telling them that, she turned, and Jesus was standing by her (v.14).
Jesus spoke to her, but she thought He was the gardener (v.15).
She did not recognize Him (v.14).
Why did she not recognize the Lord?
Because when she last saw Him, He had been hung, bled, and died on the cross (v.25) and quickly buried (Matthew 27:60-61).
Her last vision of Him was not pleasant.
And just like we have moments when someone must remind us of who they are, the same happened with Mary.
Jesus called her by her name and when she turned around, she recognized who He was, saying “Rabboni; which is to say, Master” (v.16).
The Lord is always manifesting Himself to those that seek Him.
Prayer and reading the Word is the best way for us to start.
So, when we hear His voice, we will turn and see who He is, causing us to turn away from our sins and follow Him.
To be a follower of Christ, that spreads the Word.
Will you take the time to see Him for yourself and recognize who He is in your life?
To be like Mary, seek to find Him and when you do, be the one who tells other about Him.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Savior, just like Mary’s heart was determined to find You, we desire to do the same. We know You are always giving us the opportunity to seek Your face and follow the path You have set for us. Let us take the time to study the Word and obtain the knowledge and wisdom we need. You always show up on time and reveal to us what we need to know. You are the “Master” of our lives.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen