Jesus' Ascension And Mary's Interaction
The question of why Mary was told not to touch the Lord in John 20:17 is rooted in the unique circumstances of Jesus' resurrection and His impending ascension to the Father. According to John 20:17, Jesus says to Mary, "Do not cling to me, for 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.'" This instruction is not about prohibiting physical contact altogether but is closely tied to the theological significance of Jesus' ascension and the nature of His glorified body.
In this context, Jesus' command to Mary is best understood as a directive to not detain Him or hold on to His physical presence in a way that would hinder His ascension. The ascension marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where He returns to the Father, signaling the beginning of a new era in salvation history. This event is crucial for the sending of the Holy Spirit and the empowerment of the disciples for their missionary work, as promised in Acts 1:8. Jesus' statement to Mary, therefore, serves as a reminder of the transition from His earthly ministry to His heavenly intercession, emphasizing the shift in the nature of believers' interaction with Him from physical to spiritual.
The theological significance of this event lies in its connection to the broader narrative of redemption and the establishment of the church. Jesus' ascension and subsequent seating at the right hand of the Father signify His victory over sin and death, as well as His ongoing role as the mediator between God and humanity. This truth addresses the heart of the believer, reassuring them of Christ's constant presence and advocacy, even as it underscores the importance of looking to Him in faith, rather than relying solely on physical or sensory experiences. In pastoral terms, this reminder encourages believers to seek a deepening spiritual relationship with Christ, one that transcends the limitations of the physical realm and is grounded in the assurance of His resurrection power and heavenly intercession.