John 20:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
John 20:17
17 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.
Chapter Context
John 20 is a theological gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, sacrifice, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 90-95 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed late first-century challenges from both Judaism and emerging Gnostic thought.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within John and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
John 20:17
17 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.
Analysis
Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father—Jesus's words (mē mou haptou, μή μου ἅπτου) literally mean "stop clinging to me" (present imperative with negative particle), suggesting Mary had grasped Him. This isn't prohibition against touching (Thomas later touches, John 20:27) but against clinging to the pre-resurrection relationship. The reason clause—"I am not yet ascended"—indicates Jesus's ascension will complete His redemptive work, inaugurating a new mode of Christ's presence through the Holy Spirit. Mary must release physical presence to receive spiritual presence.
Go to my brethren—profoundly, Jesus calls the disciples "brethren" (adelphous, ἀδελφούς), not in John 15:15's "friends" sense but as family sharing His sonship. The message demonstrates new covenant reality: "I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." Notice the careful distinction: "my Father AND your Father"—not "OUR Father"—preserving Christ's unique eternal sonship while granting believers adopted sonship through His redemptive work. Through Christ's death and resurrection, His Father becomes our Father; His God, our God. Mary becomes the first gospel preacher, commissioned to announce resurrection and the new family relationship it establishes.
Historical Context
Jesus's ascension, referenced here proleptically, occurred forty days after resurrection (Acts 1:3, 9-11). The ascension completed Christ's exaltation, positioning Him at the Father's right hand (Ephesians 1:20, Hebrews 1:3) where He intercedes for believers (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25) and from where He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:33). Early Christian theology, reflected in creeds, confessed both resurrection and ascension as essential to Christ's saving work.
Jesus's commission of Mary as first resurrection witness was culturally radical. Jewish law required two male witnesses for testimony validity (Deuteronomy 19:15), and rabbinic tradition questioned women's testimony. Yet God chose a woman—and one previously demon-possessed (Luke 8:2)—as the resurrection's first herald. This reflects the gospel's power to elevate the marginalized and God's delight in confounding worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Reflection
- How does Jesus's statement about "my Father and your Father" demonstrate the privilege and security of adoption into God's family?
- What old ways of relating to Jesus might you be "clinging to" instead of embracing the Spirit-empowered relationship He offers?
- How does Jesus commissioning Mary to announce His resurrection challenge cultural assumptions about who can bear witness to Christ?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Galatians 3:26, 1 Peter 1:3
- References God: Psalms 68:18, 1 John 3:2
- Parallel theme: John 16:28, 17:11, 17:25, Matthew 12:50, 28:7, Romans 8:29