"Do not cling to Me," Jesus said, "for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.'" “Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said,Jesus' instruction to Mary Magdalene not to cling to Him indicates a shift in His relationship with His followers post-resurrection. The Greek word used here can mean "to hold on to" or "to touch," suggesting that Mary was physically holding onto Jesus. This moment signifies that His earthly ministry is complete, and a new phase is beginning. It reflects the transition from a physical presence to a spiritual one, as Jesus prepares to ascend to the Father. Mat 28:9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”… “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. This phrase highlights the importance of Jesus' ascension, which is a crucial event in Christian theology. The ascension marks the completion of Jesus' earthly mission and His return to divine glory. It also sets the stage for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The ascension is prophesied in the Old Testament, such as in Psalm 110:1, and is fulfilled in Acts 1:9-11. Jesus' return to the Father signifies His exaltation and the beginning of His intercessory role for believers. Jhn 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world.… But go and tell My brothers, Jesus refers to His disciples as "brothers," indicating a deep, familial relationship. This term of endearment shows the transformation of the disciples' status through Jesus' death and resurrection. It also fulfills the promise of adoption into God's family, as seen in Romans 8:15-17. The instruction to "go and tell" emphasizes the role of believers as witnesses to the resurrection, a theme that is central to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Mat 28:10 “Do not be afraid,” said Jesus. “Go and tell My brothers…”… ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, By saying "My Father and your Father," Jesus underscores the shared relationship believers have with God through Him. This statement reflects the fulfillment of the promise of sonship and the intimate relationship believers can have with God. It echoes the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus teaches His followers to address God as "Our Father" (Matthew 6:9). This shared fatherhood is a result of the reconciliation achieved through Jesus' sacrifice. Jhn 14:2-3 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so,… to My God and your God.’” This phrase emphasizes the unity and distinction in the relationship between Jesus, God, and believers. While Jesus is divine, He acknowledges God as His God, highlighting His role as the Son and His submission to the Father. For believers, this statement reaffirms their access to God through Jesus. It connects to the covenant relationship established in the Old Testament, where God declares, "I will be their God, and they will be My people" (Jeremiah 31:33). This relationship is now fully realized in Christ. Psa 45:7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe resurrected Christ who appears to Mary Magdalene. He is central to the event, emphasizing His resurrection and forthcoming ascension. 2. Mary Magdalene A devoted follower of Jesus who is the first to witness the resurrected Christ. Her encounter with Jesus marks a pivotal moment in the resurrection account. 3. The Father Refers to God the Father, highlighting the intimate relationship between Jesus and God, and by extension, the believers' relationship with God. 4. The Brothers Refers to Jesus' disciples, whom Mary is instructed to inform about His resurrection and ascension. 5. Ascension The event Jesus refers to, where He will return to the Father, marking the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly reign. Teaching Points The Importance of the ResurrectionThe resurrection is central to Christian faith, affirming Jesus' victory over death and His divine nature. The Role of Women in the Gospel Mary Magdalene's encounter with Jesus underscores the significant role women play in the proclamation of the Gospel. Understanding Our Relationship with God Jesus' words, "My Father and your Father," invite believers into a personal and familial relationship with God. The Significance of the Ascension Jesus' ascension is crucial as it signifies His exaltation and the sending of the Holy Spirit to empower believers. Mission and Witness Like Mary, believers are called to share the good news of Jesus' resurrection and His ongoing work in the world. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' instruction to Mary Magdalene in John 20:17 reflect the importance of witness in the Christian faith?2. In what ways does the resurrection of Jesus impact your understanding of life after death and your daily walk with God? 3. How can the familial language used by Jesus ("My Father and your Father") influence your relationship with God and others in the faith community? 4. What lessons can we learn from Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ about the role of women in ministry today? 5. How does the ascension of Jesus, as mentioned in John 20:17, shape our understanding of His current role and presence in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 28:10Jesus instructs the women to tell His "brothers" to go to Galilee, where they will see Him, showing consistency in His post-resurrection instructions. Hebrews 2:11 This verse speaks of Jesus not being ashamed to call believers "brothers," emphasizing the familial relationship established through His resurrection. Acts 1:9-11 Describes the ascension of Jesus, fulfilling His words in John 20:17 and marking the transition to His heavenly ministry. Romans 8:29 Refers to Jesus as the "firstborn among many brothers," highlighting the believers' adoption into God's family through Christ. People Didymus, Jesus, Mary, Peter, Simon, ThomasPlaces JerusalemTopics Ascend, Ascended, Ascending, Brethren, Brothers, Cling, Clinging, Haven't, Hold, Instead, Message, Returned, Returning, Says, Stop, Touch, Touching, YetDictionary of Bible Themes John 20:17 1040 God, fatherhood 2555 Christ, resurrection appearances Library May 20 EveningJesus saith unto her, Mary.--JOHN 20:16. Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name: Thou art mine.--The sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name. And the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.--We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path September 5. "He Breathed on Them" (John xx. 22). October 9. "Peace be unto You" (John xx. 19, 21). Thomas and Jesus The Resurrection Morning The Risen Lord's Charge and Gift The Silence of Scripture The Lord is Risen Indeed Supposing Him to be the Gardener The Evidence of Our Lord's Wounds Easter Day. Sermon for Thursday in Easter Week Sermon for the First Sunday after Easter The Eternal Manhood The Higher Faith. Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal. Sixth Appearance of Jesus. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names. The Work of the Holy Spirit Ambassadors for Christ Whether Sacred Doctrine Proceeds by Argument Whether God Always Loves Better Things the More It was but a Little that I Passed by them when I Found Him whom My Soul Loveth. I Held Him; Neither Will I Let Him Go Until I Bring Him into My Mother's House, and into the Chamber of Her that Conceived Me. The Resurrection. Links John 20:17 NIVJohn 20:17 NLT John 20:17 ESV John 20:17 NASB John 20:17 KJV John 20:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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