Jesus said to her, “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.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:17-18
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:11-18, where we see Jesus appear to Mary Magdalene after the resurrection. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus cares for His disciples as He consoles Mary. Yet, even as Mary seeks to ensure Jesus' body is cared for (v15), Jesus reminds us that He will be ascending to the Father and this is His mission and the Father's will - it must happen according to plan.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Mary is distraught that Jesus' body is apparently gone but encounters two angels inside the tomb, and then Jesus appears behind her. She is initially not aware that it is Jesus with whom she is talking - vv13-14 and "clings" to Jesus by seeking to take possession of His body. Jesus reassures her that He must ascend to the Father and she should tell the other disciples of this plan - which she does. Mary does not fully grasp Jesus' plan to go away and leave His followers with the Holy Spirit (see John 14-16), but nonetheless follows Jesus' command to inform the other disciples.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid "clinging" to our own version of Jesus. Claim the promise that we can never be separated from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). Follow the example of Mary who obeyed Jesus even though she was likely concerned she would not see Him again. Often, obedience is not comfortable but we should follow the will of God.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and never leaves or forsakes me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and my salvation. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my hearts, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
