Devotional—Recognition

In my early journey of faith, I used to wonder why doesn’t Jesus simply appear on an international news channel, like BBC? Surely, if the entire world saw him, they would believe and be saved. But the resurrection narratives gently correct that assumption. Even when Jesus appeared in the flesh to his own disciples, many still didn’t recognize him immediately. This prompts a soul-searching question for us all: If Jesus appeared to us today, would we truly recognize him?

The Gospels record resurrection appearances; each one unveils profound truth about Jesus’ incarnation, the nature of his glorified body, and the mystery of divine presence. A striking pattern emerges again and again — those who knew Jesus best failed to recognize him at first glance.

Mary Magdalene mistook him for a gardener. The disciples on the road to Emmaus conversed for hours without realizing who he was. Peter failed to recognize him on the shore of Galilee. Recognition came only through deeply personal, familiar encounters.

Mary recognized Jesus by his voice. The disciples from Emmaus knew him in the breaking of the bread. Peter recognized Jesus through the miraculous catch of fish. The risen Jesus is not always recognized by appearance alone, but through relationship grounded in trust and intimacy.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me … My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:14, 27

Prayer:
Father, we want to experience you in moments that etch your love deeply into our souls. May we seek a relationship so intimate that we recognize you, Jesus, without hesitation. Spirit, may our hearts be attuned to your voice and our spirits ready to receive you. Lord, grant us the grace to truly know you and to never miss when you appear to us. Amen.

By Praveen Chintha, Pastor
Hyderabad, Telangana, India