The Easter Message

Jesus said to her, "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.'"  Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. (John 20:17-18)

We can only guess, but it appears that when Mary recognized Jesus, she fell on her face, grabbed Him about the ankles, and held on tenaciously. But the words of Jesus that followed, as He urged her not to cling to Him and then apparently gave a reason why she should not, constitute one of the most difficult texts in all of Scripture to unpack.  You would not believe the speculation that has come out of this text, from the sublime to the ridiculous, and not only ridiculous, but blasphemous.  Why did Jesus say these things, especially given that, a few hours later, He invited Thomas to touch His hands and side (20:27)?

Some have argued that Jesus' body was metamorphosing to its glorified state and that the process was still in transition.  Therefore, He told her, "Don't touch Me, because it's not finished yet; I haven't ascended into heaven." But He hadn't ascended into heaven when He invited Thomas to touch him, so that theory does not seem correct.  I could cite other speculative theories, but I think the answer is simple.  She was hanging on to Him for dear life because she thought she had lost Him, but now she had Him back.  So He siad: "It's OK, I'm not leaving yet.  We still have some more time.  I'm going to come and be with the disciples.  I'm going to be with you for forty days or so.  You don't have to hold Me captive."

Jesus then gave Mary a task  -  to go to His disciples with the news that He was alive and soon to ascend to the Father's right hand.  Matthew, relating a similar incident, writes that Jesus told a group of women to let the disciples know He was going to Galilee and they wourld see Him there (Matt. 28:9-10).  In any case, Mary Magdalene was sent with the glorious news of the resurrection, and she went faithfuly and did as Jesus commanded.

We, too, are sent as messengers of the incredible news that Jesus who died is alive again.  He has overcome death and triumphed on behalf of His people.  Will you hear the Savior's voice and take this glorious good news to a world that is lost and dead in sin?
   ( Dr. R. C. Sproul, JOHN, A St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary)