In John 20:17, Jesus instructs Mary Magdalene not to cling to His physical, resurrected body because a new era in their relationship was beginning. His impending ascension to the Father was necessary to complete His redemptive work and establish a new spiritual union with His followers, whom He now calls ‘brothers,’ sharing in His relationship with ‘My Father and your Father.’
The first Easter Sunday morning forever changed the course of human history. Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb, her heart heavy with sorrow and grief. What she found, however, transformed her understanding of life, death, and God. This deeply emotional and pivotal moment—when the Risen Christ revealed Himself to her—is captured in the sacred words of John 20:17.
Jesus’ instruction to Mary might seem perplexing at first: “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God,’ ” (John 20:17 NKJV). However, this verse contains profound theological truth. It reveals the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and the spiritual transformation that would come through His ascension. Far from a rejection, this command was a reorientation, preparing Mary and all believers for a new relationship with the ascended Lord and His Father. These words affirm the reality of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, who conquered death to pave the way for our eternal redemption.
To grasp the full power and significance of Jesus’ words in John 20:17, we must first understand the context. Exploring Mary’s sorrow, her discovery at the tomb, and her recognition of the Savior is crucial to unlocking the deeper meaning of His instruction.
What is the Immediate Context of John 20:17?
Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb
The scene for John 20:17 opens with Mary Magdalene’s profound grief. Early on the first day of the week—the day of Jesus’ resurrection—she arrives at the tomb, her heart heavy with sorrow.
When she discovers the stone rolled away from the entrance, she assumes the worst: Jesus’ body has been stolen. Overwhelmed, Mary rushes to tell Peter and John (John 20:1-2). The two disciples come, confirm the tomb is empty, and then return home, still wrestling with what it all means.
Mary, however, remains behind, her love for Jesus compelling her to stay. Weeping, she peers into the tomb one more time and sees two angels in white (John 20:11-12). They ask, “Woman, why are you weeping?” Mary explains that her Lord has been taken away and she does not know where to find Him.
A Moment of Recognition and Joy
Still consumed by sorrow, Mary turns and sees a man standing nearby. Her vision is so clouded by tears and grief that she mistakes him for the gardener, failing to recognize her Risen Lord.
She pleads with the man, asking if he has carried Jesus’ body away and where he has put him (John 20:15). It is in this tender, desperate moment that Jesus speaks a single word: “Mary.”
The single word, spoken in a voice she knows so well, pierces through her sorrow. In an instant, she recognizes her Savior standing alive before her. Her response is one of overwhelming joy and adoration: “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher) (John 20:16).
Overcome with relief, Mary instinctively reaches out to hold onto Him, perhaps fearing He might be taken from her again. This emotional reaction sets the stage for Jesus’ powerful and pivotal command in John 20:17.
What does the verse John 20:17 mean?
A Command to Release the Past
In John 20:17, Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, “Do not cling to Me.” This command held profound meaning for Mary and continues to resonate with us today. After finding the Risen Lord, Mary’s natural reaction was to hold onto Him physically, yearning for the return of the Jesus she had known.
However, Jesus’ words gently redirected her. He was not returning to His previous earthly ministry, as a new era was dawning. Since His physical presence would soon depart, this instruction was a call for Mary to release her attachment to the past. It signified a shift from a physical, earthly relationship to a spiritual one. She needed to understand that Jesus’ mission was moving forward, and His victory over death meant a new way of relating to Him.
This moment required Mary to embrace the future and trust in God’s greater plan. In the same way, we are called to release our grasp on past expectations and embrace the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection. His victory invites us into a deeper, spiritual communion with our Savior.
The Significance of the Ascension
Jesus’ statement continues, “for I have not yet ascended to My Father.” These pivotal words clarify why Mary could not cling to Him. Although Jesus had conquered death, His work on earth was not yet complete. The ascension was the next crucial step in God’s redemptive plan.
The ascension marked Jesus’ return to His rightful, glorious place at the right hand of God the Father (Mark 16:19). This event was essential for several reasons:
- Completion of His Earthly Mission: The ascension signified the triumph of His sacrifice and resurrection.
- Enthronement as King: Jesus assumed His eternal position of authority (Ephesians 1:20-21).
- Sending of the Holy Spirit: His departure made way for the Comforter to come (John 16:7), who empowers, guides, and lives within believers.
- Intercession for Believers: From His place in heaven, Jesus continually intercedes for His people (Romans 8:34).
Therefore, Jesus’ words prepared Mary for this necessary spiritual transition. His physical absence would lead to a universal spiritual presence, made available to all believers through the Holy Spirit. His ascension opened the way for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him—one that transcends both time and space.
A New Relationship: ‘My Father and your Father’
Perhaps the most profound part of John 20:17 is the message Jesus gives for His disciples: “Go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.'” This single statement forever redefines humanity’s relationship with God.
Before Christ, God was primarily known as the Father of Israel—a holy and often distant God. But by calling His disciples “My brothers,” Jesus shares His unique Sonship with believers. This establishes a new, intimate spiritual kinship. Through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, gaining direct access to the Father (Galatians 4:5-7).
For those who believe, this changes everything:
- Divine Adoption: We are no longer strangers but are welcomed as beloved children of God (John 1:12).
- Shared Inheritance: We become co-heirs with Christ, granting us unimaginable spiritual blessings (Romans 8:17).
- Direct Access: We can approach God directly in prayer as our loving Father (Ephesians 2:18).
- New Identity: Our identity becomes rooted in being children of the Most High God, which brings purpose and belonging.
Jesus’ words bridge the gap between a holy God and humanity, inviting us into the same fellowship He shares with the Father. This promise is a cornerstone of our faith. It not only affirms Jesus’ mission to reconcile us to God but also confirms Him as our Lord, our Savior, and our Brother.
Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch him in John 20:17?
Dispelling Misconceptions: Was Jesus Unclean?
The question of why Jesus told Mary not to touch him in John 20:17 can lead to misconceptions. Some wonder if Jesus was in a state of ritual impurity, but this idea contradicts what the Holy Scriptures teach about our Lord.
- Jesus was perfectly holy: From His miraculous conception to His sinless life, Jesus was without blemish. The Bible clearly states He “committed no sin, nor was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). His purity was absolute.
- His resurrection body was glorious: After His resurrection, Jesus possessed a glorified body. This body was perfect and incorruptible, incapable of being defiled or “unclean” in any sense. It was a foretaste of the bodies believers will receive (Philippians 3:21).
- The command was not about impurity: Therefore, Jesus’ instruction to Mary had nothing to do with supposed uncleanness. Instead, it marked a profound shift in their relationship and in the mission He was about to complete. He was not rejecting Mary but redirecting her focus to a greater truth.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the Son of God, perfectly holy and divine (Hebrews 4:15). Any suggestion of impurity contradicts the very core of His identity and His work of salvation.
Shifting from a Physical to a Spiritual Kingdom
The true meaning behind Jesus’ words, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father,” marks a pivotal moment in salvation history. Mary’s natural response was to hold on to the physical presence of her Lord. However, Jesus was preparing His disciples for a new kind of relationship with Him.
- Transition to a new era: Jesus was ushering in an era of His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit. His physical return to the Father was a necessary step for the Comforter to come (John 16:7).
- A spiritual, not merely physical, bond: Clinging to His physical body would have anchored Mary to the past. Jesus desired a deeper, spiritual communion accessible to all believers through faith—a new relationship that transcends physical touch.
- The significance of the Ascension: The phrase “I have not yet ascended” is key. His ascension was crucial for His priestly work in heaven (Hebrews 9:24) and necessary for Him to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers (John 14:16-17). This established a new, intimate relationship for every follower.
Jesus’ command was not a rejection but a reorientation. He was guiding Mary, and us, to understand the profound spiritual reality His ascension would create. This new spiritual kingdom offers an enduring connection with Him that is far greater than any physical embrace.
Commissioning the First Messenger of the Resurrection
Instead of a rebuke, Jesus’ words to Mary were a profound commissioning. He was not denying her comfort but empowering her with the most glorious news humanity has ever heard. In that moment, Mary Magdalene became the first evangelist of the resurrection.
- A divine directive: Jesus immediately followed His instruction with a clear command: “Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God'” (John 20:17). He gave her a mission of utmost importance.
- Proclaiming the new reality: Mary was to announce that Jesus’ work on earth was complete. His return to the Father opened the way for believers to share in His relationship with God, becoming “brothers” to Jesus and adopted children of the Most High.
- Shifting focus from grief to mission: Mary’s focus was on her grief and her desire to be near Jesus. However, Jesus redirected her sorrow into purpose, entrusting her to share the incredible truth that He had risen from the dead.
Mary’s encounter with the risen Christ exemplifies the call for all believers. We are not to cling to the past but to embrace our mission: to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior who died, rose again, and reigns eternally at the right hand of the Father.
How Does John 20:17 Deepen Our Faith Today?
Embracing Our Status as Children of God
John 20:17 deepens our faith by revealing a new, intimate relationship with God. In this verse, Jesus tells Mary, “Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” This statement was revolutionary because, for the first time, Jesus called His disciples “brothers.” By doing so, He connected their relationship with the Father directly to His own.
Because of Christ’s resurrection and ascension, we are adopted into God’s family. We are no longer just servants but have become co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His status as a child of God.
Consider the immense privilege this grants us:
- Direct Access: We can approach God with confidence, knowing He is our loving Father (Hebrews 4:16).
- Divine Identity: Our identity is rooted in Him, not in worldly achievements or status (1 John 3:1). We are His beloved children.
- Eternal Inheritance: As children of God, we inherit eternal life and all the spiritual blessings in Christ (Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:3).
This truth transforms our outlook, offering profound comfort and security. As cherished members of God’s household, we can live without fear or the need to strive for acceptance, because our acceptance is already secured through Jesus Christ. This assurance strengthens our resolve and fills our lives with purpose.
Living in the Power of the Ascended Christ
Jesus’ instruction to Mary—”Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father”—marks a crucial transition. His ascension was not an ending but a powerful new beginning for believers. It signifies that Christ is now enthroned in glory, where He actively intercedes for us and empowers us.
The ascended Christ does not leave us powerless. In fact, He equips us with divine strength. This power manifests in several key ways:
- The Gift of the Holy Spirit: The ascension paved the way for the Holy Spirit’s outpouring (John 16:7; Acts 2:33). The Spirit indwells us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us for service.
- Intercession on Our Behalf: Jesus sits at the right hand of God, continually interceding for His children (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). He advocates for us before the Father.
- Authority for Mission: Christ’s ascension demonstrates His supreme authority over all things (Ephesians 1:20-22). Because of this authority, He commissions us to carry His message to the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
- Hope for Future Glory: The ascension provides a visible promise of Christ’s return (Acts 1:11). It reassures us that our ultimate hope rests in Him and His heavenly kingdom.
To live in the power of the ascended Christ is to rely on His strength, not our own. It means walking by faith, trusting that He is sovereign and at work in our lives and in the world. This reliance enables us to overcome challenges, share the Gospel boldly, and live in a way that honors Him. We are called to live victoriously, confident in the power of our resurrected and ascended Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions about John 20:17
Why did Jesus say ‘don’t hold on to me’?
In John 20:17, Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” This statement can seem puzzling, but Jesus was not refusing Mary’s affection because He was somehow untouchable.
Instead, His instruction revealed several profound truths about His new reality:
- His Ascension Was Imminent: Jesus’ work on Earth was not complete until He ascended to the Father (Acts 1:9-11). Mary’s instinct was to hold on to His physical presence, but Jesus needed to complete this crucial step in His redemptive plan before His ultimate glorification.
- A New Relationship Was Beginning: The resurrected Christ was ushering in a new kind of relationship. His presence would no longer be confined to a physical body; instead, He would soon send the Holy Spirit, making Himself available to all believers everywhere (John 16:7).
- Focus on His Spiritual Kingdom: Jesus was shifting the focus from a physical presence to a spiritual reality. Mary needed to understand that His bodily resurrection was the prelude to His ascension and heavenly reign. Her mission was to proclaim this truth, not to hold onto a fleeting physical moment.
Ultimately, Jesus’ words were a gentle redirection. He was preparing Mary, and all disciples, for a deeper, more intimate spiritual communion with Him through the Holy Spirit.
What is the significance of Jesus calling His disciples ‘brothers’ for the first time?
In John 20:17, Jesus gives Mary a significant message: “Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'” This moment is profound because it’s the first time in the Gospels that Jesus explicitly calls His disciples “brothers.”
This declaration marks a permanent shift in their relationship and identity:
- New Family Status: Through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, believers are adopted into God’s family. We share in His sonship, which means God is not just Jesus’ Father; through Christ, He becomes our Father as well. “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).
- Shared Inheritance: As brothers and sisters in Christ, we become co-heirs with Him. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17). This status emphasizes the incredible privilege and inheritance we receive through His finished work.
- Intimate Union: This title highlights the depth of the new covenant relationship. No longer merely servants or even friends (though He did call them friends in John 15:15), they are now bound to Him by the closest family ties, a direct result of His atoning work. “For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of one; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11).
By His resurrection, Jesus opened the door for humanity to enter an unparalleled relationship with God, secured by His divine sacrifice and victorious return.
How is John 20:17 different from when Jesus invited Thomas to touch him?
At first glance, Jesus’ instruction to Mary in John 20:17 and His invitation to Thomas in John 20:27 might seem to contradict each other. However, the two encounters serve different, yet equally vital, purposes in His post-resurrection ministry.
Consider these key distinctions:
- Context with Mary (John 20:17):
- Timing: This happened just after the resurrection, before Jesus had ascended to the Father.
- Mary’s Action: She was clinging to Him, trying to hold onto His physical presence and return to their former relationship.
- Jesus’ Purpose: He was redirecting her focus. His command “Do not cling to me” was not a denial of His physical body. Rather, it was a call to understand the new reality: His work was not finished until His ascension, which would usher in a new spiritual relationship through the Holy Spirit.
- Context with Thomas (John 20:27):
- Timing: This occurred eight days later, after Jesus had already appeared to the other disciples.
- Thomas’s Doubt: Thomas had famously declared he would not believe unless he could physically see and touch Jesus’ wounds.
- Jesus’ Purpose: He directly addressed Thomas’s skepticism by offering physical proof. The invitation to touch His hands and side was meant to confirm the bodily reality of His resurrection, overcoming doubt and building the faith of all who would hear the story. “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed'” (John 20:29).
In both cases, Jesus affirmed that His resurrected body was real. The difference was the lesson: with Mary, He taught about the *purpose* and *next step* of His mission (ascension), while with Thomas, He provided the *verification* needed to overcome doubt. Both interactions were crucial for building faith and understanding the Risen Christ.