“Early
in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize
that it was Jesus.” (John 21:4)
Apparently,
it was difficult to recognize the risen Christ, just ask Peter and John, or
Mary, or the travelers on the road to Emmaus.
I wonder why that was. Was it
something about him or something about them that kept the realization from
happening? Or maybe it was just the
situation. Maybe it was the early
morning sunlight, or their preoccupation with trying to haul in a catch of fish,
or their frustration with not being able to do so. Maybe it was the grief and sadness and
confusion of having lost their dear friend and teacher and leader. After all, Mary came to the tomb looking for
a dead Jesus, and what she found was a Jesus more alive than he had ever been. That would have been a surprise to anyone.
The real question is not about them but about me. How
many times in my life have I failed to realize it was Jesus? After all, he has been there all along, but I
have failed to recognize it. And where
am I currently failing to recognize that it is Jesus? Where and how is he standing on the shore of
my life, just waiting for me to finally realize that it is him?
Give me eyes to see you, Lord Jesus, and a heart to
recognize you in the midst of the events and interactions and conversations of
my day.