John 20:17 (NIVUK)
17 Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’
I’ve often wondered why Jesus told Mary not to hold onto him. I’ve no doubt that she would have been desperate to hold him after the horror of the last few days, in joy and relief, but what would have happened if she had done so. Would something have happened to her? Or would it have harmed him or prohibited him in some way from ascending to be with his Father? I’m not sure there is a definitive answer, I think this is simply one of those mysteries. Whilst what Mary shouldn’t do is unclear, what her first response to the resurrection is, is much clearer; she is to go at once and tell the others. And her news is astonishing. Not only is Jesus raised to life, but he comes with the news that his Father is now their Father, and his God is their God. In some way, the Cross has brought them into an equal status with Christ!
What amazing news. Thank you Jesus that your Father is now our Father, and that your God is our God!
Original image contributed to FreeBibleImages by the LUMO project
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