John 20:17 - Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
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What does "John 20:17" mean?
This verse, John 20:17, is a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative, and its meaning can be understood on several levels:
1. "Don't hold me":
The Temporary Nature of His Earthly Presence: This implies that Jesus' resurrected body, while real, was in a transient state. He wasn't going to stay on earth in the same way he had before his crucifixion. Mary Magdalene's desire to hold onto him reflects a longing to return to the familiar relationship they had. However, Jesus is indicating that something new and different is about to happen.
Focus on the Ascended Jesus: Jesus needed to ascend to the Father to fully accomplish his work of redemption and to send the Holy Spirit. Mary clinging to him would delay or hinder that next crucial step.
Symbolic Interpretation: Some theologians suggest it reflects a need to let go of the physical Jesus and embrace the spiritual presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
2. "I haven't yet ascended to my Father":
Imminence of the Ascension: This confirms that the ascension to heaven is an immediate and vital part of Jesus' post-resurrection plan. It's not a vague future event, but a necessary step in his redemptive work.
Preparation for the Spirit's Arrival: The ascension is the necessary condition for sending the Holy Spirit to indwell believers. Jesus needs to return to the Father so the Spirit can be sent.
3. "Go to my brothers and tell them":
Shift in Relationship: Jesus refers to his disciples as "my brothers." This is significant because it indicates a new relationship. He is no longer just their teacher or master, but their brother within the family of God. This establishes a familial bond based on shared faith and redemption.
Commission to Proclaim: Mary is commissioned to be the first apostle to the apostles, the first witness to the resurrection. This reverses the cultural norms of the time, where women's testimony was often discounted. It highlights the importance of women in the early church and demonstrates that God chooses whomever he wills to carry his message.
Central Message of the Resurrection and Ascension: The core message is that Jesus is ascending to the Father. It's not just a resurrection, but a resurrection that leads to ascension and a new relationship with God.
4. "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God":
Shared Relationship with the Father: This is a powerful and profound statement. Jesus is saying that through him, the disciples now have access to the same God that he does. The Father is not just his Father, but their Father as well. This is a gift of grace made possible through Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.
Shared Divinity, Different Roles: While Jesus shares the same Father/God with the disciples, he is also distinct. He is the Son of God, uniquely related to the Father. He mediates the relationship between humanity and God.
Understanding of God: "My God and your God" is another interesting phrase that denotes a shared relationship. Here Jesus seems to use "God" to reference their common identity as beneficiaries of God's grace and power.
In summary, John 20:17 is a verse rich with theological meaning. It highlights:
The temporary nature of Jesus' earthly reappearance after the resurrection.
The importance and imminence of the ascension.
The new relationship between Jesus and his followers as brothers and sisters in the family of God.
The commission to proclaim the resurrection and ascension.
The shared relationship with God the Father made possible through Jesus Christ.
This verse signifies a pivotal shift from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the age of the Church, where believers, united with Christ, have access to the Father and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. It emphasizes the completed redemptive work of Jesus and the promise of eternal life in his presence.
John 20:17 - Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
What does "John 20:17" mean?
This verse, John 20:17, is a pivotal moment in the resurrection narrative, and its meaning can be understood on several levels:
1. "Don't hold me":
The Temporary Nature of His Earthly Presence: This implies that Jesus' resurrected body, while real, was in a transient state. He wasn't going to stay on earth in the same way he had before his crucifixion. Mary Magdalene's desire to hold onto him reflects a longing to return to the familiar relationship they had. However, Jesus is indicating that something new and different is about to happen.
Focus on the Ascended Jesus: Jesus needed to ascend to the Father to fully accomplish his work of redemption and to send the Holy Spirit. Mary clinging to him would delay or hinder that next crucial step.
Symbolic Interpretation: Some theologians suggest it reflects a need to let go of the physical Jesus and embrace the spiritual presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
2. "I haven't yet ascended to my Father":
Imminence of the Ascension: This confirms that the ascension to heaven is an immediate and vital part of Jesus' post-resurrection plan. It's not a vague future event, but a necessary step in his redemptive work.
Preparation for the Spirit's Arrival: The ascension is the necessary condition for sending the Holy Spirit to indwell believers. Jesus needs to return to the Father so the Spirit can be sent.
3. "Go to my brothers and tell them":
Shift in Relationship: Jesus refers to his disciples as "my brothers." This is significant because it indicates a new relationship. He is no longer just their teacher or master, but their brother within the family of God. This establishes a familial bond based on shared faith and redemption.
Commission to Proclaim: Mary is commissioned to be the first apostle to the apostles, the first witness to the resurrection. This reverses the cultural norms of the time, where women's testimony was often discounted. It highlights the importance of women in the early church and demonstrates that God chooses whomever he wills to carry his message.
Central Message of the Resurrection and Ascension: The core message is that Jesus is ascending to the Father. It's not just a resurrection, but a resurrection that leads to ascension and a new relationship with God.
4. "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God":
Shared Relationship with the Father: This is a powerful and profound statement. Jesus is saying that through him, the disciples now have access to the same God that he does. The Father is not just his Father, but their Father as well. This is a gift of grace made possible through Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.
Shared Divinity, Different Roles: While Jesus shares the same Father/God with the disciples, he is also distinct. He is the Son of God, uniquely related to the Father. He mediates the relationship between humanity and God.
Understanding of God: "My God and your God" is another interesting phrase that denotes a shared relationship. Here Jesus seems to use "God" to reference their common identity as beneficiaries of God's grace and power.
In summary, John 20:17 is a verse rich with theological meaning. It highlights:
The temporary nature of Jesus' earthly reappearance after the resurrection.
The importance and imminence of the ascension.
The new relationship between Jesus and his followers as brothers and sisters in the family of God.
The commission to proclaim the resurrection and ascension.
The shared relationship with God the Father made possible through Jesus Christ.
This verse signifies a pivotal shift from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the age of the Church, where believers, united with Christ, have access to the Father and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. It emphasizes the completed redemptive work of Jesus and the promise of eternal life in his presence.