In 1976, the Statler Brothers released a song entitled Would You Recognize Jesus? The chorus asks “Would you recognize Jesus if you met Him face to face? Or would you wonder if He’s just another one you could not place?”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”

John 20:16

Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ closest followers, had many personal encounters with Him. He cast seven demons from her, she anointed His feet with her tears and expensive perfume, she contributed financially to His ministry, and she was present at His crucifixion. In the scripture leading to today’s verse, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb of Jesus and found His body missing. Peter and John also visited the tomb to find the body gone. The disciples leave, but Mary lingers. As she’s standing outside the tomb weeping, Jesus appears. Mary thinks He’s the gardener, but when Jesus calls her name, she immediately recognizes Him.

Have you had personal experiences with Jesus but sometimes still fail to recognize His presence? Listen for His voice. As you pray today, ask for the voice of God to speak loud and clear to you. Pray also for His presence to be made known across the nation.

Recommended Reading: John 10:1-5, 14-18