Sunday 20 April 2025
Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” (v. 17)
Background
Today is Easter Day. Jesus has been crucified, has died, and his body has been placed in a tomb. Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb early in the morning and finds it empty. When she sees the risen Christ, although it was but a few days since she last saw him, she doesn’t appreciate the change in him through the Resurrection. Only when he says her name does she recognise him. Although it's not stated, it could be implied that she runs towards him intending to hug him. Jesus tells her "Do not hold on to me" (v. 17), a comment which has been open to debate.
One theory is that Jesus asked Mary not to hold on to him because his resurrected body is not the same as before. However, later in this chapter of John's Gospel Jesus does the opposite and tells Thomas to touch his hands and side (v. 27).
It is understandable that Mary would want to make the most of being alone with Jesus. Perhaps Jesus told Mary not to hold on to him because he wants to move the story along. He doesn't want her to linger at the tomb and is clear that she needs to leave. He asks her to go to the disciples and tell them what she has seen and experienced. Her statement "I have seen the Lord" (v. 18) is crucial to the unfolding of the Easter narrative.
Unlike the other gospels' accounts Jesus asks Mary to say that he is returning to God (the Father) in ascension.
Today is a moment to celebrate. We rejoice in the knowledge of the resurrected Christ. As much as we might want to, we cannot stay in the moment. Chocolate eggs will soon be eaten and forgotten, but Christians must continue to live as 'Easter people' witnessing to the risen Lord.
To Ponder:
- Is the difference between Mary and Thomas that Mary believed, and Thomas didn’t?
- How can Christians balance the joy of the Resurrection with the command to witness to Jesus' life and teachings?
Prayer
Faithful God, on this day of celebration, help me to rejoice in the empty tomb, recognise the risen Lord and reveal his presence in the way I live today and every day. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Paul Davis
Paul Davis is a supernumerary minister in the Chorley and Leyland Circuit.