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John 20

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.

So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto 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 unto her.

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

What does John 20:17 mean?

Explanation

John 20:17 captures a poignant and mystically charged moment between Mary Magdalene and the resurrected Jesus.

Mary has come to the tomb and found it empty.

Upon encountering Jesus, whom she initially does not recognize, he instructs her not to cling to him because he has not yet ascended to the Father.

Jesus directs her to inform his "brethren," meaning his disciples, of his impending ascension.

This verse expresses the nature of Jesus's transformed post-resurrection body and his work to complete his mission, ascension to God.

The deeper meaning reflects a transition from Jesus's earthly ministry to his exalted state, emphasizing the continuity between God the Father and Jesus, as well as suggesting an intimate relationship with believers who share the same God and Father.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of John is believed to have been written between AD 90 and 110.

During this period, Christianity was still defining its identity amidst various religious and philosophical traditions.

John's Gospel often uses a higher Christology, viewing Jesus as the preexistent Word made flesh, which differs from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

Mary Magdalene's role as the first witness to the resurrection was significant in a time when societal conventions usually did not grant women the authority of testimony.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of John 20:17 vary.

Traditional Christian theology views this verse as signaling the importance of the resurrection and ascension, with Jesus instructing Mary not to detain him because he must still ascend to be fully glorified with the Father.

Catholic and Orthodox theologies often emphasize the mystery and sacredness of Christ’s resurrected body.

Protestant interpretations may stress the importance of the ascension for the sending of the Holy Spirit and for Jesus's priestly intercession at the right hand of the Father.

From a feminist theological perspective, this verse sometimes garners attention for Mary Magdalene's significant role as a female disciple and witness.

Practical Applications

Modern readers can draw several applications from this verse.

It teaches the importance of not clinging to past experiences but instead trusting in Jesus’s ongoing work.

For Christians, it is a call to witness, as Mary was charged with sharing the news of Jesus's resurrection.

Additionally, it underscores the personal nature of faith, Jesus refers to "my Father and your Father... my God and your God," thereby inviting believers into a familial relationship with God.

Cross-References

Matthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission where Jesus sends his disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations.
Acts 1:9-11: The ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven.
John 14:2-3: Jesus speaks of going to prepare a place for his followers.
Hebrews 4:14-16: The concept of Jesus as the high priest who ascended into heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:20-28: The implications of Christ’s resurrection for believers.

Language Study

Two key phrases stand out in the original Greek of this verse:

"Touch me not" (μή μου ἅπτου – mē mou haptou): The verb ἅπτου (haptou), often translated as "touch," can mean "cling to," suggesting a sense of holding on or detaining.
"I ascend" (ἀναβαίνω – anabainō): This verb means to go up or ascend. In the context of Jesus, it refers to his return to the divine realm, indicating a shift from earthly existence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to ancient myths, the resurrection and ascension narrative in Christianity stands unique in its details and implications.

While various cultures have themes of dying and rising gods, the Christian narrative specifically involves a one-time event leading to the eternal glorification of Jesus.

In other religious traditions, ascension stories might represent a journey to enlightenment or divine knowledge, such as the Buddha’s attainment of Nirvana or the ascent of Muhammad during Isra and Mi'raj in Islam.

However, the Christian concept is tightly interwoven with the redemption and salvation of humanity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, discussions around the resurrection and ascension may delve into the nature of reality and physics.

While science does not substantiate events beyond natural law, such as a physical resurrection or bodily ascension, these beliefs are typically categorized under metaphysical or supernatural experiences and, as such, are considered matters of faith.

Science and religion intersect in exploring deeper understanding of human consciousness and the possibilities of existence beyond the physical world.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries offer diverse insights on John 20:17:

Matthew Henry's Commentary focuses on the spiritual meaning behind Christ’s instruction not to touch him, emphasizing readiness for ascension.
The Pulpit Commentary interprets Jesus's words as a reminder not to seek the living among the dead and that Jesus must ascend to send the Holy Spirit.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible suggests that Jesus was not refusing a simple touch, citing other post-resurrection contacts, but was instead teaching Mary and the disciples about his changed relation to them and the world.
William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible posits that Jesus was telling Mary that she must not cling to him because the time when Jesus was physically present in the world was over, and a new way of living and being in relationship with him was beginning.

John 20

John 20

What does John 20:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 20:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?