Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, 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 is to say, Teacher).
John 20:14-16

Why didn’t Mary recognize Jesus? Because the Bible does not answer this question, we have only speculation. Was it because of the lack of full daylight, being early in the morning? Maybe. Was it because her vision was blurred by her tears? Maybe. Was it because Jesus deliberately concealed His identity (as He did with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-24). Quite possibly, but we still are left to wonder why.

While we do not know for sure, we can certainly be comforted by the fact that even when we do not “see” or “recognize” Jesus in a given situation, He knows us!

And while Mary did not recognize Jesus, Jesus not only knew Mary, He called her personally, by name! The Lord’s personal knowledge of His people doesn’t end with recognizing us and knowing our names (as wonderful as that is!). He knows, understands, and addresses our pains. Our fears. And our brokenness. When Jesus asked Mary “Why are you crying,” it wasn’t because He didn’t know. It was because He wanted her to tell Him so He could comfort her. Do you see how He does the same with us?

Once Mary heard Jesus speak her name, she know it was Him! As it is for us, as the Lord deals compassionately with us, we know our Shepherd loves His sheep—not only as a flock, but as individual lambs with individual needs. And what is the best remedy for our individual needs? A personal Savior who knows us. Who wants us to tell Him about our troubles. And who personally addresses our tears by revealing Himself to us.

No matter what our troubles may be, the singular solution is the risen Lord Jesus.

Errol