“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus” (John 21:4). If you’re familiar with the accounts of Jesus showing himself to his disciples after his resurrection, then you know that this is the third time post-Easter that Jesus appeared to them. You might ask, “What? Why didn’t the disciples realize it was Jesus?”

Maybe it’s because it was early in the morning, they were 100 yards from shore, and they were not expecting Jesus to be there. Or maybe their minds were on something else that caused them to be distracted.

Does that sound a little familiar? What about you? What keeps you from recognizing Jesus in your life? I once came across this phrase: “Whatever you live for owns you.” What consumes your thoughts 24/7? Is it your kids, sports, comparisons on social media, the political circus, or a person whom you think “isn’t acting sorry enough”?

You and I might know the Sunday-morning Jesus. But have we put so many “important” life matters in the way that they cloud our vision of seeing our Savior in all the moments of our lives? Let’s do some spiritual spring cleaning of our hearts and minds and toss out the idols that distract us from seeing our Savior. 

Take the time to notice that Jesus is ALWAYS there.