John 20:17 – “Jesus said, ‘Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse takes place on the morning of Jesus’ resurrection. Mary Magdalene, one of His most devoted followers, encounters the risen Christ outside the empty tomb. Overcome with joy, she clings to Him, but Jesus tells her not to hold onto Him because He has not yet ascended to the Father.

At first glance, Jesus’ words may seem confusing. Why wouldn’t He allow Mary to embrace Him? The key lies in His mission. He was preparing to return to the Father, and Mary’s relationship with Him was about to change. No longer would she follow Him as she had before—walking alongside Him physically—but she, along with all His followers, would soon experience His presence in a new and greater way through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus then commissions Mary with a message to His disciples, calling them “my brothers.” This is significant because it highlights the restored relationship between Jesus and His followers. His sacrifice on the cross had made a way for them to be children of God, just as He is.

Historical Context

This event took place on the first Easter Sunday. Mary Magdalene had gone to the tomb early in the morning, only to find it empty. At that time, women were not considered credible witnesses in Jewish society, yet Jesus chose Mary to be the first person to see Him and to carry the news of His resurrection. This underscores the radical nature of Jesus’ ministry—He elevated those whom society overlooked.

In Jewish culture, the idea of ascending to God was significant. The temple in Jerusalem was seen as the dwelling place of God’s presence, but Jesus was showing that His ultimate destination was not an earthly temple but heaven itself. His ascension would mark the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of a new relationship between God and His people.

Theological Implications

Jesus’ statement, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God,” is profound. It reveals that His work on the cross had opened the way for believers to have a direct relationship with God. Before Jesus’ sacrifice, access to God was limited by sin, and the Jewish people approached Him through priests and sacrifices. Now, through Jesus, God is not just “His Father” but “our Father” as well.

This verse also highlights the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. He was not merely a spirit or a vision; He was physically raised from the dead. The resurrection affirms His power over death and assures believers that they, too, will one day be raised to eternal life.

Literary Analysis

This passage is part of John’s Gospel, which focuses heavily on Jesus’ divine nature and His mission to bring eternal life. The phrase “Do not hold on to me” suggests both a physical and a spiritual truth—Mary’s natural desire was to keep Jesus with her, but He was calling her (and all believers) to embrace a deeper faith, one not based on physical presence but on spiritual relationship.

The contrast between “my Father” and “your Father” is also significant. While Jesus and believers both relate to God as Father, there is a distinction—Jesus is the Son of God by nature, while believers are God’s children by grace through adoption.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:9-10 – When Jesus appeared to the women, they worshiped Him, and He instructed them to tell the disciples.
• Romans 8:15-17 – We have received the Spirit of adoption, calling God “Abba, Father.”
• Hebrews 2:11 – Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters.
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 – Jesus is the firstfruits of those who will be resurrected.
• Acts 1:9-11 – The ascension of Jesus into heaven.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern believers, this verse is a reminder that our faith is not based on seeing or physically touching Jesus but on trusting in His promises. Just as Mary had to let go of her old way of relating to Jesus, we must embrace Him through faith, knowing that He is present with us through the Holy Spirit.

It also reassures us that Jesus calls us His brothers and sisters. Because of His sacrifice, we have an intimate relationship with God. We do not approach Him as distant subjects but as dearly loved children.

Additionally, Jesus’ command to Mary—to go and tell others—applies to us today. We are called to share the good news of His resurrection with the world.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This passage reveals God’s deep love for humanity. Jesus, the Son of God, did not remain distant but came to rescue us, calling us into a personal relationship with Him. By calling God “my Father and your Father,” He is showing that His victory over sin and death was for our benefit.

God’s love is further displayed in the way Jesus entrusted Mary—a woman, in a society that often devalued women—to be the first witness of His resurrection. This speaks to the inclusivity of the Gospel: God’s love is for all people, regardless of status or background.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ words here emphasize His mission:

• He had come to make a way for us to be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
• His resurrection proved His power over sin and death (Revelation 1:18).
• His ascension would lead to the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would guide believers (John 16:7).
• He is the first to rise from the dead, and His resurrection guarantees that His followers will also rise (Colossians 1:18).

This verse also shows that Jesus is both divine and human. He speaks of “my God,” acknowledging His submission to the Father, yet He also calls God “my Father,” affirming His unique relationship as the eternal Son.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus told Mary not to hold onto Him? How does that apply to our faith today?
2. What does it mean for Jesus to call His followers His “brothers”? How does that change the way you see your relationship with Him?
3. How does this verse deepen your understanding of what Jesus accomplished on the cross?
4. What does it mean for you personally that God is both Jesus’ Father and your Father?
5. How can you, like Mary, share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with others?

This verse is a powerful reminder of the transformation Jesus brings. Because of His resurrection, we have a new relationship with God—one based on grace, love, and the assurance of eternal life.