“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”– John 20:17 (KJV)
“Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” – John 20:17 (NLT)
“Jesus said, ‘Don’t cling to me. I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, “I’m ascending to my Father and your Father, my God and your God.”‘– John 20:17 (MSG)
What Does John 20:17 Mean?
John 20:17 is a significant verse found in the Gospel of John. Here, we find Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus after His resurrection. She sees Jesus and recognizes Him. However, He tells her not to cling to Him because He has not yet ascended to the Father. What does this mean for us? Well, it shows that while Jesus had risen from the dead, there was still a process that had to happen. Mary was overjoyed to see Him, and her instinct was to hold on to Him. But Jesus wanted her to understand that He had important work to complete before returning to His place in heaven.
This verse also emphasizes the relationship that exists between God the Father and Jesus. By saying, “I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God,” Jesus establishes a profound connection between God and humanity. He does not just refer to God as His Father alone but also invites us into that relationship. We all have the opportunity to know God personally. This is not just a message for Mary; it’s for all believers. After Jesus’ ascension, we are called to be part of God’s family.
John 20:17 Explanation and Commentary
To understand John 20:17 more deeply, we can take into account the emotional state of Mary Magdalene. After witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus, her heart was filled with despair and loss. Finding the empty tomb, she was distressed and confused. Seeing the risen Christ would have filled her with immense joy, yet Jesus’ words to her were clear – there is still a separation as He needed to ascend to the Father. This separation is pivotal, as it illustrates the transition from the physical presence of Jesus to the spiritual presence of the Holy Spirit.
Mary’s joy at seeing Jesus alive was profound. In her world, death was final, yet here was Jesus conquering death. It is a beautiful picture for us as believers that Jesus not only died for our sins but rose again. The resurrection is our promise of eternal life. However, Jesus wanted Mary to know that while His resurrection was great news, it was not the end; there was more that needed to happen to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
When Jesus mentioned His ascension, He pointed to a significant moment in the Gospel narrative that marks the completion of His earthly mission. He assured Mary that He would not leave her or the other disciples alone. They would be gifted with the Holy Spirit, which He would send to be their Comforter. This means that even though He was ascending to the Father, He was still with them through the Holy Spirit. Our relationship with God is not limited to the physical presence of Jesus. Even today, we can experience His love and guidance through prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Mary has a vital role in this moment as well. Jesus instructs her to go and tell the disciples about His resurrection. He recognizes her faithfulness and gives her a mission. We, too, are called to share the good news of Jesus. Just as Mary was an eyewitness to the resurrection and was tasked with sharing it, we have the same calling. This verse, therefore, not only describes a moment in history but illustrates the ongoing mission we have as followers of Christ. Telling the world about Jesus’ love and victory over death is what we are called to do.
In this moment of interaction between Mary and Jesus, the emotional undercurrent is strong. While we have the joy of resurrection, there is also a reminder of respect and reverence. When Jesus says not to cling to Him, He also infers that our relationship with Him, while personal and intimate, also requires us to remember who He is. He is the Son of God who has conquered death and offers us eternal life, but we must respect the holy place He holds in our lives and hearts.
Context of John 20:17
The context surrounding John 20:17 is essential for a comprehensive understanding of its message. Following the crucifixion, Mary Magdalene finds herself in a state of heartbreak and confusion. In her grief, she goes to the tomb to mourn. What she finds is not just an empty tomb but angels who tell her that Jesus has risen. At this moment, she is caught in a whirlwind of emotions – despair turning into joy. The scene highlights the transformation from death to life. It mirrors our spiritual journey from despair to hope through faith in Christ.
In the larger narrative of John, this encounter emphasizes the importance of the resurrection. This moment marks a turning point. Jesus has conquered death and, in doing so, has paved the way for all believers to have eternal life. In telling women like Mary to spread the news, God is breaking societal norms. During biblical times, women were often marginalized, yet Jesus entrusted Mary with the most joyous news ever. This shows the value and dignity that God gives to every person. We all have a purpose in spreading the message of love and hope in Christ.
Following this encounter, Jesus visibly appears to the disciples, strengthening their faith. The transformative power of the resurrection becomes a central theme in the teachings of the early church. Just as Mary was called to share the good news, we too are encouraged to live out our faith boldly. When we reflect on the context of this scripture, we see that it is not merely an isolated event but a part of a grand narrative of God’s love and redemption. It sets the stage for our mission as believers in Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 20:17
In John 20:17, Jesus’ instructions to Mary reveal important insights about our faith. The phrase “Touch me not” signifies that Jesus is about to ascend to the Father. His statement serves as a transition from His earthly ministry to His heavenly role. This distinguishes the significance of His resurrection from mere resuscitation; He has triumphed over death, and He is entering into a new phase of existence with the Father.
Moreover, Jesus emphasizes His relationship with God the Father. By addressing God as “my Father” and “your Father,” He invites us into an intimate relationship with the divine. Each of us is called to approach God, not with fear, but with the understanding that we are His beloved children. This fact is transformational. It recognizes that we each have a rightful place in God’s family.
Jesus’ command to Mary to go and tell His brothers is also crucial. It signifies the unfolding of the Great Commission, where we are called to share the Gospel message. Mary’s role as the first messenger is powerful. It conveys that sharing Christ’s love is not solely reserved for trained leaders or ministers; instead, every believer is entrusted with the mission to spread hope and truth. This call gives us courage and purpose in our lives.
Lastly, the mention of Jesus ascending to the Father indicates that His mission is far from over. He will return to earthly ministry through the Holy Spirit. Understanding this connection tells us that we are not alone. As we navigate everyday challenges, we can trust that Jesus is with us. The depth of this passage invites us to a deeper realization of our faith, our role in God’s plan, and the significance of being part of His family.
Lessons to Learn From John 20:17
John 20:17 teaches us several valuable lessons. One of the lessons is the importance of recognizing Jesus’ divine authority. Every time we read about Jesus’ resurrection, we are reminded that He is the Son of God who overcame death. It gives us courage amid our struggles, knowing we have a Savior who understands our pain and sorrow. When we cling to Jesus, we should remember that He is also ascending and has the power to lead us through our life’s journey.
Another lesson is the significance of communication. Jesus entrusted Mary with a vital message. In our lives, we are called to share our faith and bring hope to others. This may be through our actions, words, or the way we live. Each of us has a story of God’s love, and sharing it can be life-changing for someone else. Just as Mary was the first to proclaim the resurrection, we, too, can be vessels of hope in someone else’s life.
The verse also teaches us about the nature of relationships. Jesus invites us into an intimate relationship with God. We are not merely followers or servants; we are beloved children. This is a transformative realization, especially when we face feelings of inadequacy or doubt. Remembering our approachability to God helps us maintain a vibrant relationship through prayer and devotion.
Finally, we learn about mission. The call to share the resurrection and to make disciples transcends time. We find encouragement through Jesus’ words when we consider our role in spreading the Gospel. Each of us contributes to God’s kingdom in unique ways, and that pursuit gives our lives purpose and meaning.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, John 20:17 serves as a reminder of the resurrection’s implications for our lives. We are reminded that while Jesus has ascended, He is still active among us through the Holy Spirit. His message isn’t just for Mary; it is for all believers. As we reflect on the depth of this scripture, we understand the call to share the good news of Jesus Christ in our daily lives.
Let us step forward in faith, embracing the lessons we’ve learned from this encounter. We reflect on our relationship with God, recognizing His love and calling each day. Remember, we are joyfully invited to take part in His ongoing story. As Mary shared the message of the resurrection, we are encouraged to share our stories with those around us.
For more insights and teachings on various topics in Scripture, explore our collection which includes stories like John 7:12 and Numbers 13:20. We are all on this journey of faith together, and by sharing God’s Word, we can strengthen one another and mission we all carry.