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John 20:17
Verse
Context
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).17“Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Touch me not - Μη μου ἁπτου, Cling not to me. Ἁπτομαι has this sense in Job 31:7, where the Septuagint use it for the Hebrew דבק dabak, which signifies to cleave, cling, stick, or be glued to. From Mat 28:9, it appears that some of the women held him by the feet and worshipped him. This probably Mary did; and our Lord seems to have spoken to her to this effect: "Spend no longer time with me now: I am not going immediately to heaven - you will have several opportunities of seeing me again: but go and tell my disciples, that I am, by and by, to ascend to my Father and God, who is your Father and God also. Therefore, let them take courage."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father--Old familiarities must now give place to new and more awful yet sweeter approaches; but for these the time has not come yet. This seems the spirit, at least, of these mysterious words, on which much difference of opinion has obtained, and not much that is satisfactory said. but go to my brethren--(Compare Mat 28:10; Heb 2:11, Heb 2:17). That He had still our Humanity, and therefore "is not ashamed to call us brethren," is indeed grandly evidenced by these words. But it is worthy of most reverential notice, that we nowhere read of anyone who presumed to call Him Brother. "My brethren: Blessed Jesus, who are these? Were they not Thy followers? yea, Thy forsakers? How dost Thou raise these titles with Thyself! At first they were Thy servants; then disciples; a little before Thy death, they were Thy friends; now, after Thy resurrection, they were Thy brethren. But oh, mercy without measure! how wilt Thou, how canst Thou call them brethren whom, in Thy last parting, Thou foundest fugitives? Did they not run from Thee? Did not one of them rather leave his inmost coat behind him than not be quit of Thee? And yet Thou sayest, 'Go, tell My brethren! It is not in the power of the sins of our infirmity to unbrother us'" [BISHOP HALL]. I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God--words of incomparable glory! Jesus had called God habitually His Father, and on one occasion, in His darkest moment, His God. But both are here united, expressing that full-orbed relationship which embraces in its vast sweep at once Himself and His redeemed. Yet, note well, He says not, Our Father and our God. All the deepest of the Church fathers were wont to call attention to this, as expressly designed to distinguish between what God is to Him and to us--His Father essentially, ours not so: our God essentially, His not so: His God only in connection with us: our God only in connection with Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto her, touch me not,.... Not that his body was an aerial one, or a mere "phantom", which could not be touched; the prohibition itself shows the contrary; and besides, Christ's body was afterwards presented to Thomas, to be touched by him, and to be handled by all the disciples; and his feet were held by the women, which is what Mary would have now done: upon the discovery of him, she threw herself at his feet, and was going to embrace and kiss them, to testify her affection and joy, when she is forbid; not as unworthy of the favour, because she sought him among the dead, for which the angels reproved her and the rest; but either because he was not to be conversed with, as before his death, his body being raised immortal and glorious; or rather, because he had an errand to send her on to his disciples, which required haste; nor need she stay now to show her respect to him, since she would have opportunity enough to do that, before his ascension; which though it was to be quickly, yet not directly and immediately; and this seems to be the sense of our Lord's reason: for I am not yet ascended to my Father; nor shall I immediately go to him; I shall make some stay upon earth; as he did, forty days before his ascension; when he intimates, she might see him again, and familiarly converse with him; at present he would have her stay no longer with him: but go to my brethren; this he says, to show that their carriage to him, being denied by one of them, and forsaken by them all, and the glory he was raised unto, as all this made no alteration in their relation to him, so neither in his affection to them: Mary was a very proper person to be sent unto them, since she had lately been with them, and knew where they were all assembled together: and say unto them; as from himself, representing him as it were: I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God; God was his Father, not by creation, as he is to angels, and the souls of men, and therefore is called the Father of spirits; nor by adoption, as he is to the saints; nor with respect to the incarnation of Christ, for, as man, he had no father; or with regard to his office as Mediator, for as such he was a servant, and not a Son; but he was his Father by nature, or with regard to his divine person, being begotten of him, and so his own proper Son, and he his own proper Father; which hold forth the natural and eternal sonship of Christ, his equality with him, and distinction from him: and God was the Father of his disciples by adopting grace, in virtue of the covenant of grace made with Christ, and through their spiritual relation to him, as the natural and eternal Son of God: God the Father is the God of Christ as man, who prepared, formed, anointed, supported, and glorified his human nature; and in which nature, he prayed to him as his God, believed in him, loved and obeyed him as such; wherefore the Jew (o) very wrongly infers from hence, that he is not God, because the God of Israel was his God; since this is spoken of him as he is man: and he was the God of his disciples, in and by the covenant of grace made with Christ, as their head and representative; so that their interest in God, as their covenant God and Father, was founded upon his being the God and Father of Christ, and their relation to, and concern with him; and which therefore must be firm and lasting, and will hold as long as God is the God and Father of Christ: this was good news to be brought to his disciples; which, as it carried the strongest marks of affection, and expressions of nearness of relation; and implied, that he was now risen from the dead; so it signified, that he should ascend to God, who stood in the same relation to them, as to him; when he should use all his interest and influence on their behalf, whilst they were on earth; and when the proper time was come for a remove, that they might be with him, and with his God and Father and theirs, where they would be to all eternity. (o) R. Isaac Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 58. p. 446.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:17 Mary thought that with the resurrection, Jesus would resume normal relations with his disciples. She was trying to cling to the joy she discovered in her resurrected Lord. But his fellowship with her would come in a new form (20:22). Jesus had not yet ascended to complete his return to the Father, but the process was underway. Before his final departure, he would give the Holy Spirit (20:22; see 14:15-21, 26; 15:26-27; 16:5-15).
John 20:17
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).17“Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hearing the Voice of God - Part 2
By Carter Conlon3.3K54:25Voice Of GodISA 6:8MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 20:17ACT 1:8ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going out into the world and sharing the message of God's mercy and kindness. He encourages believers to share their personal experiences of how God is working in their lives. The speaker also emphasizes that salvation is freely given through the blood of Jesus Christ and cannot be earned through works. He warns against dwelling on the past and missing out on the present opportunities to share the gospel. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that God's plan has always been to redeem mankind and invite them into fellowship with Him.
Hosea #7 Ch. 11-12 Hosea
By Chuck Missler2.9K1:08:27HoseaEXO 29:45HOS 9:10HOS 11:1MAT 6:33JHN 20:17REV 3:17In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Hosea and its message about God's love and Israel's disloyalty. The speaker highlights how God drew Israel with cords of love and provided for them, but now they face punishment for their ingratitude. Despite their deserving of annihilation, God expresses his deep love and unwillingness to give up on them. The sermon also emphasizes the hope beyond the darkness and judgment, based on the unique nature of God, which will be further explored in the coming chapters.
Jesus Our Example (Hindi)
By Zac Poonen2.8K57:20MAT 11:28JHN 1:14JHN 14:9JHN 20:17ROM 8:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the church as the body of Christ, reflecting on how Jesus lived as the first body of Christ and how the church is meant to reveal Christ to the world. It highlights the significance of knowing God as our Father and being filled with the Holy Spirit to live a victorious life, free from burdens and anxieties.
(Divine Attributes) 14 the Humility of God
By Denny Kenaston1.7K1:01:21Character Of GodPSA 24:3ISA 57:15JHN 20:172CO 6:162CO 7:11JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility of God, highlighting how the king of the kingdom is the greatest slave among them. The preacher emphasizes that God is constantly giving, caring, and watching over all, never sleeping. He uses the example of God's care for even the little sparrows, showing that God stoops in kindness and pity to meet the needs of others. The preacher encourages the audience to study the life of Jesus to understand what God is like, as Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. The sermon concludes by discussing the importance of applying these teachings to everyday life and how the humility of God should impact our interactions with others.
Never a Man Spake Like This Man
By George Jeffreys1.6K03:12JesusMAT 7:28MAT 13:3MAT 15:30MAT 18:12MRK 7:35MRK 7:37LUK 15:11JHN 3:3JHN 4:14JHN 9:7JHN 11:43JHN 20:17JHN 20:19ACT 4:12EPH 2:8The video is a sermon transcript about the preaching of Jesus and the power of his words. It highlights the miracles performed by Jesus, such as healing the blind, lame, deaf, and dumb, and even raising the dead. Jesus used various illustrations, such as the wheat in the field, the birds of the air, the prodigal son, and the lost sheep, to convey his message to his followers. The main purpose of Jesus' coming into the world was to bring salvation to mankind, which he described in different ways, including as a gift, a well of living water, and a new birth. The sermon emphasizes the inability of humans to save themselves and the power of Jesus' words, which were confirmed by signs and wonders.
(The Works of Faith) God Loves Us as He Loved Jesus
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:14:20GEN 38:27EXO 12:6JOB 36:5PSA 139:16MAT 1:3MAT 6:33JHN 20:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. He encourages the audience to consider how they are spending their time and to make sure they are not living for things that will have no value in eternity. The speaker shares his own reflection on his 43 years as a Christian and urges the listeners to not make the mistake of living for temporary things. He highlights the significance of using one's life to build the Church of Jesus Christ and to fulfill God's plan, even in secular jobs. The sermon also touches on the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of these events.
Hiding in Fear
By Jim Cymbala1.5K36:28FearMAT 6:33JHN 20:17JHN 20:19ROM 8:28ROM 8:371PE 1:81JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message that God has a plan for our lives, regardless of our past failures. He highlights the significance of Jesus' words to the disciples, "As the Father has sent me, so send I you," showing that God still chooses to use imperfect individuals for His purposes. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in God's plan and not be discouraged by present difficulties or fears about the future. He concludes by reminding the listeners that everything changes when we recognize Jesus' presence in our lives and choose to focus on Him rather than our circumstances.
New Covenant - Jesus Revealed Father - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:31GEN 1:26MAT 3:16MAT 28:19JHN 6:38JHN 14:26JHN 20:171JN 2:22This sermon delves into the significance of the Trinity as revealed in the New Covenant, particularly focusing on the clear revelation of the Trinity at Jesus' baptism in Matthew chapter 3. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the distinct persons of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and the implications of denying the Trinity, such as undermining the humanity of Christ and the concept of God's love. The speaker highlights the necessity of baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to align with Jesus' command and fully embrace the New Covenant.
Jesus Revealed the Father
By Zac Poonen1.0K57:12Character Of GodMAT 3:16MAT 6:33MAT 9:13MAT 28:19JHN 4:23JHN 14:15JHN 20:17In this sermon, the speaker focuses on John chapter four, specifically verse 23, where Jesus talks about the coming of the kingdom of God and the new covenant. The speaker highlights how Jesus cared for and reached out to sinners, using the example of a woman in Samaria who had made mistakes in her life. Jesus came to explain the Father and reveal what God is like to humanity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God as a father, as it can transform one's life. The sermon also references John chapter 20, where Jesus tells Mary Magdalene not to cling to him after his resurrection, indicating his need to ascend.
The Heart - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung9981:28:04EXO 20:4EXO 20:7DEU 6:13JHN 20:17ROM 8:2HEB 8:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the only true God and not worshiping any other gods or idols. He highlights the commandments given in Deuteronomy, particularly the second commandment which prohibits the worship of images. The speaker also emphasizes the need to honor and respect God's name and to accept His finished work. He further explains that when we believe in Jesus, God's life is imparted to us, and following the nature of that life becomes our law, leading to a natural and peaceful life.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Talk on Prayer
By Hans R. Waldvogel74031:34PrayerMAT 14:25MRK 16:15JHN 10:10JHN 20:17ROM 12:1ROM 13:11EPH 1:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having an open heart and soul to receive the power of God. They highlight the need for believers to make room for God to dwell within them and present their bodies as a living sacrifice. The speaker also reflects on their experience at a Pentecostal convention where they felt that the true purpose of the Pentecostal movement was not fully expressed. They emphasize the need for true devotion and sacrifice in prayer, drawing parallels to the Old Testament practices of coupling prayer with sacrifices. The sermon concludes with a personal realization of the need for salvation and a plea for God's saving grace.
The Manifestation of the Resurrected Christ and the Greatest Calling
By Newman Sze6871:57:19JHN 20:17ACT 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the eternal nature of God and the working of the Holy Spirit. They encourage the audience to pay attention to the Word of God and pursue a relationship with the Lord. The speaker then focuses on the story of Peter's love for Jesus and his calling to shepherd the sheep. They highlight the challenges of feeding and caring for young children as an analogy for the responsibility of shepherding. The sermon concludes with the importance of love and the Lord's desire for each person's love.
Week of Meetings 03 Son Finds Fathers Family
By John W. Bramhall39038:51MAT 6:33JHN 1:11JHN 11:47JHN 20:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the eternal and divine perfection of God's work. He highlights that the Father's heart has been revealed through the coming of the Son into the world. The preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus, who was sent by the Father to reveal His heart and character. He also mentions that through divine grace and power, believers are brought into the family of God and become children of God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that all who receive Jesus will have everlasting life and that one day, the earth will be filled with praise for Jehovah.
In the Shadow of the Cross - Jesus Prays for Himself
By J. Glyn Owen37255:52PrayerMAT 6:33MAT 27:51JHN 12:20JHN 17:1JHN 20:17HEB 4:14HEB 7:25In this sermon, the speaker discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He mentions the supernatural occurrences that took place during Jesus' trial, such as Pilate's wife sending him a message and the earth shaking. The speaker also highlights the darkness that covered the world for three hours while Jesus died on the cross. He concludes by mentioning Judas' remorse and his attempt to return the 30 pieces of silver he received for betraying Jesus.
Gospel of John (2nd Yr Study 18 of 19, Chap 20)
By G.W. North12850:03Christian LifeMAT 6:33JHN 10:27JHN 15:15JHN 20:171CO 15:27In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing the Albert Hall and talks about the importance of overcoming fear. They emphasize that the world itself can be a valuable university for learning and growing. The speaker then discusses the significance of Jesus being born in a humble manger and encourages the audience to believe and humble themselves. They also mention the importance of knowing God as Father through the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder that following Jesus requires self-sacrifice and a willingness to carry the cross, and that true joy comes from a deep connection with God.
Jesus Dependent Psalm 16
By John Nelson Darby0Dependence on ChristSpiritual NourishmentPSA 16:11PSA 17:15MAT 3:6JHN 13:3JHN 14:6JHN 20:17ROM 8:29HEB 2:131JN 1:71JN 2:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the multifaceted nature of Jesus Christ, portraying Him as the Son of God, the Son of Man, and our High Priest. He highlights that true knowledge of God and humanity is found in Christ, who embodies grace and truth. Darby explains that Christ's dependence and obedience to the Father serve as a model for believers, encouraging them to follow His path of life through faith and reliance on Him. He also stresses the importance of recognizing Christ as the source of spiritual nourishment, urging believers to feed on His sacrifice and love. Ultimately, Darby calls for a deep affection for Christ, who leads us to fullness of joy in the presence of God.
Focused Faith
By David Wilkerson0Acceptance in ChristFaithJHN 17:10JHN 20:17ROM 5:1EPH 2:6PHP 3:9COL 3:3HEB 3:12HEB 4:3HEB 4:101JN 4:17David Wilkerson emphasizes the concept of 'focused faith,' explaining that our relationship with God is rooted in our unity with Christ, which allows us to experience the same love from the Father that Jesus does. He challenges believers to prioritize faith over feelings, asserting that God's delight in us is not contingent on our actions or emotions but on our faith in Christ. Wilkerson warns against the dangers of unbelief and encourages believers to rest in the assurance of their acceptance in Christ, which leads to true peace and freedom from striving. He highlights that true faith results in a state of rest, where we recognize our position in Christ as accepted and loved by God.
Ascension of Christ
By George G. Findlay0Ascension of ChristDivine AuthorityMRK 16:19LUK 24:51JHN 14:2JHN 20:17ACT 1:9ROM 1:4EPH 1:20PHP 2:9COL 3:1HEB 7:26George G. Findlay emphasizes the significance of Christ's ascension as a divine affirmation of His identity as the Son of God. He explains that Jesus' ascension completes the resurrection and serves as a final confirmation of His supernatural life and authority. Findlay reflects on the calmness of this event, portraying it as a natural return to His heavenly origin, akin to a son returning home after completing his tasks. The sermon highlights that Jesus' departure was not just an end but a transition back to the Father, fulfilling His mission on earth. The promise of His return is also underscored, reminding believers of the hope that lies in His ascension.
Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipResurrectionISA 8:18MAT 12:39MAT 27:46LUK 23:46JHN 20:17ROM 1:4ROM 8:19GAL 3:26EPH 1:191PE 1:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the resurrection as the foundation of our sonship in Christ. He explains how Jesus, after experiencing abandonment on the Cross, was able to declare God as 'Father' again, marking a restoration of sonship for humanity. The resurrection not only confirmed Jesus as the Son of God but also established our identity as children of God, allowing us to experience continuous resurrection power in our lives. This sonship is not merely a past event but a present reality that manifests through our faith and experiences in the world. Ultimately, the resurrection life empowers believers to be signs and wonders, showcasing God's glory amidst the challenges of life.
Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship - 2
By T. Austin-Sparks0SonshipResurrectionMAT 27:46LUK 23:46JHN 20:17ACT 13:33ROM 1:4ROM 8:19GAL 3:26EPH 1:3HEB 1:51PE 1:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of resurrection as the hallmark of sonship, illustrating the transition from Jesus' cry of abandonment on the cross to His declaration of 'Father' after His resurrection. He explains that through Christ's resurrection, sonship is restored, allowing believers to call God 'Father' and experience a new relationship with Him. The sermon reflects on the implications of Jesus being declared the Son of God through His resurrection, highlighting the importance of living in the reality of this sonship amidst the challenges of life. Sparks encourages believers to recognize their identity as children of God, empowered by the resurrection, and to manifest this truth in their lives as a testimony to the world. Ultimately, he reassures that the forsakenness experienced by Christ ensures that those in Him will never face abandonment by God.
Questions/answers About Christ
By James Blaine Chapman0MAT 1:16MAT 4:1MRK 10:45LUK 2:22LUK 3:23JHN 20:17JHN 20:222CO 5:211TI 2:6James Blaine Chapman delves into various questions surrounding the life, teachings, and actions of Jesus Christ, providing insightful explanations based on biblical texts. From the timing of the visits of the shepherds and Wise Men to the genealogy of Christ, the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, and the significance of His resurrection, Chapman offers clarity on these complex topics. He addresses the nature of Christ's temptations, the purpose behind His baptism, the disciples' reception of the Holy Ghost, and the glorification of Jesus upon His resurrection, shedding light on key aspects of Christian faith and doctrine.
My Brethren
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JHN 20:17Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the incredible truth that believers in Jesus Christ are called 'My Brethren' by the Lord Himself, signifying a deep bond and shared inheritance with the Man in Glory. This relationship was prophetically revealed in Psalms 22, where the distress of the cross gives way to triumphant victory and the promise of a future Kingdom under the Lord's reign. Through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, believers are brought into the same relationship with God as Jesus, becoming His brethren and heirs of God's glory.
On the Baptism of Households
By John Nelson Darby0BaptismFaith and SalvationPRO 22:6JHN 20:17ACT 22:16ROM 5:12ROM 6:22CO 5:21EPH 2:8HEB 2:13HEB 11:61PE 3:20John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of baptism in relation to the death of Christ and its implications for households. He explains that baptism symbolizes the acceptance of God's judgment on the first man, allowing believers to identify with Christ's death and resurrection. Darby argues that through faith, parents can claim the salvation of their children, as baptism serves as a public acknowledgment of this belief. He highlights the importance of training children in the ways of the Lord, recognizing their standing in Christ's death. Ultimately, Darby calls for a return to the biblical understanding of baptism amidst the confusion in the Church today.
Tell My Brethren
By H.J. Vine0JHN 10:27JHN 12:24JHN 17:14JHN 20:15JHN 20:17ROM 1:4ROM 8:29HEB 2:12H.J. Vine preaches on the profound encounter between Mary Magdalene and Jesus at the tomb, where Mary, mistaking Him for the gardener, is amazed to find her risen Lord. Jesus, in His resurrection, reveals Himself as the Son of God in power, calling Mary by name and referring to His followers as 'My brethren,' showing His deep love and care for them. These 'brethren' are not of the world but born of God, chosen by the Father and closely following Jesus, despite their human failures and misunderstandings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Touch me not - Μη μου ἁπτου, Cling not to me. Ἁπτομαι has this sense in Job 31:7, where the Septuagint use it for the Hebrew דבק dabak, which signifies to cleave, cling, stick, or be glued to. From Mat 28:9, it appears that some of the women held him by the feet and worshipped him. This probably Mary did; and our Lord seems to have spoken to her to this effect: "Spend no longer time with me now: I am not going immediately to heaven - you will have several opportunities of seeing me again: but go and tell my disciples, that I am, by and by, to ascend to my Father and God, who is your Father and God also. Therefore, let them take courage."
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father--Old familiarities must now give place to new and more awful yet sweeter approaches; but for these the time has not come yet. This seems the spirit, at least, of these mysterious words, on which much difference of opinion has obtained, and not much that is satisfactory said. but go to my brethren--(Compare Mat 28:10; Heb 2:11, Heb 2:17). That He had still our Humanity, and therefore "is not ashamed to call us brethren," is indeed grandly evidenced by these words. But it is worthy of most reverential notice, that we nowhere read of anyone who presumed to call Him Brother. "My brethren: Blessed Jesus, who are these? Were they not Thy followers? yea, Thy forsakers? How dost Thou raise these titles with Thyself! At first they were Thy servants; then disciples; a little before Thy death, they were Thy friends; now, after Thy resurrection, they were Thy brethren. But oh, mercy without measure! how wilt Thou, how canst Thou call them brethren whom, in Thy last parting, Thou foundest fugitives? Did they not run from Thee? Did not one of them rather leave his inmost coat behind him than not be quit of Thee? And yet Thou sayest, 'Go, tell My brethren! It is not in the power of the sins of our infirmity to unbrother us'" [BISHOP HALL]. I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God--words of incomparable glory! Jesus had called God habitually His Father, and on one occasion, in His darkest moment, His God. But both are here united, expressing that full-orbed relationship which embraces in its vast sweep at once Himself and His redeemed. Yet, note well, He says not, Our Father and our God. All the deepest of the Church fathers were wont to call attention to this, as expressly designed to distinguish between what God is to Him and to us--His Father essentially, ours not so: our God essentially, His not so: His God only in connection with us: our God only in connection with Him.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto her, touch me not,.... Not that his body was an aerial one, or a mere "phantom", which could not be touched; the prohibition itself shows the contrary; and besides, Christ's body was afterwards presented to Thomas, to be touched by him, and to be handled by all the disciples; and his feet were held by the women, which is what Mary would have now done: upon the discovery of him, she threw herself at his feet, and was going to embrace and kiss them, to testify her affection and joy, when she is forbid; not as unworthy of the favour, because she sought him among the dead, for which the angels reproved her and the rest; but either because he was not to be conversed with, as before his death, his body being raised immortal and glorious; or rather, because he had an errand to send her on to his disciples, which required haste; nor need she stay now to show her respect to him, since she would have opportunity enough to do that, before his ascension; which though it was to be quickly, yet not directly and immediately; and this seems to be the sense of our Lord's reason: for I am not yet ascended to my Father; nor shall I immediately go to him; I shall make some stay upon earth; as he did, forty days before his ascension; when he intimates, she might see him again, and familiarly converse with him; at present he would have her stay no longer with him: but go to my brethren; this he says, to show that their carriage to him, being denied by one of them, and forsaken by them all, and the glory he was raised unto, as all this made no alteration in their relation to him, so neither in his affection to them: Mary was a very proper person to be sent unto them, since she had lately been with them, and knew where they were all assembled together: and say unto them; as from himself, representing him as it were: I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God; God was his Father, not by creation, as he is to angels, and the souls of men, and therefore is called the Father of spirits; nor by adoption, as he is to the saints; nor with respect to the incarnation of Christ, for, as man, he had no father; or with regard to his office as Mediator, for as such he was a servant, and not a Son; but he was his Father by nature, or with regard to his divine person, being begotten of him, and so his own proper Son, and he his own proper Father; which hold forth the natural and eternal sonship of Christ, his equality with him, and distinction from him: and God was the Father of his disciples by adopting grace, in virtue of the covenant of grace made with Christ, and through their spiritual relation to him, as the natural and eternal Son of God: God the Father is the God of Christ as man, who prepared, formed, anointed, supported, and glorified his human nature; and in which nature, he prayed to him as his God, believed in him, loved and obeyed him as such; wherefore the Jew (o) very wrongly infers from hence, that he is not God, because the God of Israel was his God; since this is spoken of him as he is man: and he was the God of his disciples, in and by the covenant of grace made with Christ, as their head and representative; so that their interest in God, as their covenant God and Father, was founded upon his being the God and Father of Christ, and their relation to, and concern with him; and which therefore must be firm and lasting, and will hold as long as God is the God and Father of Christ: this was good news to be brought to his disciples; which, as it carried the strongest marks of affection, and expressions of nearness of relation; and implied, that he was now risen from the dead; so it signified, that he should ascend to God, who stood in the same relation to them, as to him; when he should use all his interest and influence on their behalf, whilst they were on earth; and when the proper time was come for a remove, that they might be with him, and with his God and Father and theirs, where they would be to all eternity. (o) R. Isaac Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 58. p. 446.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:17 Mary thought that with the resurrection, Jesus would resume normal relations with his disciples. She was trying to cling to the joy she discovered in her resurrected Lord. But his fellowship with her would come in a new form (20:22). Jesus had not yet ascended to complete his return to the Father, but the process was underway. Before his final departure, he would give the Holy Spirit (20:22; see 14:15-21, 26; 15:26-27; 16:5-15).