Good morning. It is Monday, August 18, 2025. Sometimes I wonder if Jesus still appears to us today, but we just don’t recognize Him. Maybe one day in heaven, He will show us how many times He walked near, but, like Mary, we had no idea. Mother Teresa once said that Jesus often appears in distressing disguises. Mary found that out—until He called her name. Read on…
Today's Reading:
Jeremiah 26,35,36; John 20
Scripture
“[Mary] turned around and beheld Jesus standing there and did not know that it was Jesus… 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.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to Him, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).” (John 20:13–16)
Observation
Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener. Isn’t that just like us? God often shows up in ways we don’t expect. He shows up in disguise — through people, situations, or even setbacks that seem ordinary, inconvenient, or downright frustrating. If we’re not paying attention, we’ll miss Him. Worse yet, we might resist what He’s doing because He didn’t arrive in the package we were expecting.
Application
God still “disguises” Himself today. The question is: Will we recognize Him—especially when He calls our name?
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The Disguise of the Unlovable
That difficult person you’d rather avoid? Yep. Jesus might be standing right there, instructing you. He said, “That which you do to the least of these, you have done unto Me.” In other words: “We love Jesus only as much as the one we love the least.” (Ouch!)
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The Disguise of Undesirable Tasks
Sweeping floors, folding bulletins, serving behind the scenes, or carrying someone else’s burden—these small sacrifices showcase a great love. And out of that love grows a great joy.
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The Disguise of the Unbelievable
Remember this: “When doubt knocks at your door, let faith answer it, and there will be no one there.”
Don’t be surprised if the “gardener” is really Jesus in work clothes. He still whispers our name at the most unexpected times.
Prayer
Father, open my eyes to see You — even in disguises I might overlook. Teach me to love the tough ones, to serve with joy in small and hidden ways, and to believe even when I struggle with doubt. And above all, may I never miss Your voice when You call my name. Amen.
-Wayne Cordeiro
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