Look at the Lyrics: Jesus in Disguise

Look at the Lyrics

Lyric:                  “Jesus in disguise

Jehovah passing by…

Open my eyes wide as I can

Blind as I am, blind as I am”

Song/Album:       “Jesus in Disguise”, Blue Mountain

Artist:                 Brandon Heath

Writers:              Brandon Heath, Ross Copperman, Lee Thomas Miller

Scripture:           “Mary turned around and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. ‘Why are you crying?’ he asked her…  She thought he was the gardener. ‘Sir, if you have taken my Lord away, tell me where you have put him…’   ‘Mary!’ Jesus said.”       (John 20:14-16)                                  

Reflection:          She thought he was the gardener.  Why would Mary think the risen Lord was the gardener?  Like most landscapers and grounds keepers that I see, I imagine he was a bit unkempt – soiled work clothes, dirty hands, unruly hair.  Did Jesus look so ordinary that Mary missed him?  Do we miss him in the ordinary? 

                          Jesus was in disguise most of his earthly life.  The King of kings and Lord of lords first appeared to us in the form of a newborn.  The Son of God was known as the son of a carpenter.  The One who holds all power in the universe was perceived as being meek and mild. 

                          I do think at times we fail to recognize Jesus in the ordinary, and we need him to open our eyes in those divine appointments and opportunities he gives us.  Perhaps a friend, family member, co-worker or classmate needs a word of encouragement or a pat on the back.  Maybe a stranger is in need of the gospel.  My own pastor was embarrassingly stopped for speeding, but at the request of the police officer, was asked to explain the salvation message! We never know where Jesus may show up, or how we can be Jesus to someone else!

                          Why was Jesus in disguise outside of the garden tomb?  The question isn’t why was he in disguise, but why do we miss him in the ordinary?  Jesus, open our eyes!