The encounter between the resurrected Jesus and Mary Magdalene in John 20:17 is one of the most poignant and theologically rich moments in the Gospels. Jesus’s seemingly abrupt command, “Do not cling to me,” often translated as “Touch me not,” has puzzled and intrigued readers for centuries. Understanding the context, the original Greek, and the theological implications of this verse unlocks a deeper appreciation of the transformative nature of Christ’s resurrection and its impact on our relationship with Him and God the Father.
Unpacking “Do Not Cling to Me”
The Greek phrase in John 20:17, “Μή μου ἅπτου” (Mē mou haptou), uses the verb “ἅπτου” (haptou) in the present imperative middle voice. This form is crucial for accurate interpretation. “Haptou” doesn’t simply mean “to touch” in a fleeting sense. It carries the connotation of “to cling to,” “to hold on to,” “to grasp,” or “to fasten oneself to.” The present imperative with the negative “Mē” suggests that Jesus is not prohibiting a single touch, but rather discouraging Mary from continuing to hold onto Him in the way she was.
Mary’s emotional state is understandable. Overwhelmed with joy and relief at finding Jesus alive, her natural human reaction was to physically cling to Him, perhaps to reassure herself that it was truly Him and to hold onto the comfort of His physical presence. However, Jesus’s response indicates a shift in their relationship and the nature of His presence with them. He was moving beyond the limitations of His earthly ministry to a new, ascended, and spiritually present form. To cling to Him in a purely physical manner would be to misunderstand this pivotal transition.
“For I Have Not Yet Ascended to the Father”: The Significance of the Ascension
The reason Jesus provides for His command is equally important: “for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” This statement underscores the crucial theological significance of the ascension. Jesus’s ascension to the Father is not merely His departure from Earth; it is His glorification and exaltation. It is a necessary step for the full realization of His redemptive work and the sending of the Holy Spirit.
Prior to His ascension, Jesus’s earthly ministry was confined by physical limitations. After the ascension, He transcends these limitations, becoming spiritually present with all believers through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, clinging to the physical Jesus, as Mary might have been inclined to do, would be holding onto a form of relationship that was about to be superseded by a greater, more encompassing spiritual union. Jesus needed to ascend to fully become the mediator between God and humanity, making the Father accessible to all believers.
“Go and Tell My Brothers”: A New Brotherhood and Mission
Instead of clinging to Him, Jesus instructs Mary, “But go and tell my brothers.” This instruction is significant on multiple levels. Firstly, Jesus refers to His disciples as “brothers.” This term of endearment signifies the profound transformation in their relationship with Him. Through His death and resurrection, they are no longer merely disciples or followers, but are elevated to the status of brothers in God’s family. This reflects the concept of spiritual adoption and the intimate relationship believers now share with Christ and with each other.
Secondly, the command “go and tell” highlights the mission entrusted to believers. Mary becomes the first messenger of the resurrection, tasked with sharing this incredible news with the others. This emphasizes the role of believers as witnesses to the resurrection, a central theme in Christian faith and the foundation of the Great Commission to spread the Gospel to the world (Matthew 28:19-20).
“My Father and Your Father, My God and Your God”: Shared Divine Relationship
Finally, Jesus’s words, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God,” encapsulate the ultimate outcome of His resurrection and ascension. By using the phrase “My Father and your Father,” Jesus emphasizes the shared relationship that believers now have with God through Him. This is a revolutionary concept – that through Christ, believers are brought into a familial relationship with God, the Father. It echoes the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus teaches us to address God as “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9).
The phrase “My God and your God” further clarifies this relationship. While Jesus is divine, He also acknowledges God as His God, demonstrating His submission to the Father within the Trinity. For believers, this reaffirms that their access to God is mediated through Jesus. It speaks to the covenant relationship where God declares, “I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33), now fully realized in Christ.
Conclusion: Embracing the Ascended Christ
John 20:17 is not a rejection, but a redirection. Jesus’s “Do not cling to me” is an invitation to move from a limited, physical understanding of His presence to a richer, spiritual reality made possible by His ascension. It calls us to embrace the ascended Christ who is no longer bound by earthly constraints but is universally present through the Holy Spirit. This verse is a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of the resurrection, the significance of the ascension, and the profound, familial relationship believers are invited into with God through Jesus Christ.
