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John 20:17 (BSB)
“Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’”
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions““Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’”” — John 20:17
Picture this: Jesus has just risen from the dead, and Mary Magdalene is overjoyed to see Him. It’s a moment filled with relief and excitement, but Jesus gently tells her to let go. He’s not dismissing her feelings; He’s inviting her to understand something monumental. He’s about to ascend to God, and He wants Mary to share this incredible news with His followers. In these words, there’s a mix of tenderness and purpose, showing that while He values their connection, there’s a bigger plan unfolding. It's a moment of transition, a cue for Mary to step into her role as a messenger of hope.
The Gospel of John was written by John, one of Jesus’s closest friends and disciples. He wanted to share a personal account of Jesus’s life and teachings, emphasizing the love and connection between Jesus and humanity. By including this moment with Mary, John highlights the intimate relationship Jesus fosters with His followers. He’s showing that the resurrection is not just a miraculous event but a transformative experience for everyone, as it opens the door for a deeper relationship with God.
This was written around the first century AD, a time when the world was under Roman rule, and people were grappling with questions of faith and identity. The Jewish community was waiting for the promised Messiah, and here comes Jesus, flipping the script! His resurrection was not just a personal victory; it was a game-changer for everyone. This moment came at a time when hope was desperately needed, and it set the stage for the early Christian movement, which spread like wildfire across the Roman Empire.
This verse is a powerful reminder that God sees you and wants a personal relationship with you. When Jesus tells Mary to share the news, it’s a call to all of us to embrace that same message of hope! It shows that you are included in this family, with God as your Father. This is huge because it means you’re never alone in your struggles. You have a connection that matters, one that brings purpose and community. It’s about realizing that just as Mary was sent to share incredible news, you too have the ability to spread hope and love in your own life.
This week, think about how you can share a message of hope with someone in your life. Maybe it’s checking in on a friend who’s struggling or simply sharing a moment of joy with someone who needs it. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on your own relationship with God. How can you embrace that connection and let it inspire your actions? Make a point to express gratitude for your connection with God and those around you, and don’t hesitate to share that joy with others!
This verse is a pivotal moment in John 20 after a whirlwind of events. Jesus has just overcome death, and Mary is the first to encounter Him, filled with joy and disbelief. This moment is the culmination of His earthly ministry and the beginning of a new relationship with His followers. After this interaction, Mary leaves to tell the disciples about Jesus's resurrection. This moment is crucial because it not only confirms His victory over death but also establishes the new relationship believers will have with God as Father. Jesus is preparing to ascend, marking a shift from His physical presence to a spiritual connection with everyone.
What does it mean for you to share the message of hope that Jesus entrusted to Mary? How can you live out that mission in your daily life?
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