Introduction to John 20:17
John 20:17 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament, forming a cornerstone of Christian theology. This verse is situated within the resurrection narrative of the Gospel of John, a narrative that details the events following Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Specifically, John 20:17 contains Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene, where He instructs her not to hold onto Him because He has not yet ascended to the Father. He further instructs her to go to His brethren and convey the message, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”
The context of John 20:17 is crucial for comprehending its theological significance. This verse occurs after Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and subsequently encounters the risen Christ. Her initial reaction is one of joy and reverence, prompting her to cling to Him. However, Jesus’ response redirects her focus from the physical presence to the spiritual reality of His ascension. This moment underscores the transition from His earthly ministry to His heavenly intercession.
The significance of John 20:17 in Christian theology cannot be overstated. It highlights the unique relationship Jesus shares with God, while simultaneously extending that relationship to His followers. By referring to God as “My Father and your Father” and “My God and your God,” Jesus emphasizes the shared familial bond between Himself, God, and humanity. This assertion reinforces the concept of believers being adopted into the family of God, a theme that is recurrent throughout the New Testament.
Moreover, this verse encapsulates the essence of the resurrection, portraying it not merely as a historical event, but as a transformative moment that redefines the relationship between the divine and the human. It serves as a profound reminder of the promise of eternal life and the intimate connection believers have with God through Jesus Christ. Thus, John 20:17 stands as a testament to the enduring hope and assurance found in the Christian faith.
Context of the Verse
The context surrounding John 20:17 is pivotal to comprehending the significance of Jesus’ statement to Mary Magdalene. The events leading up to this moment are profound and deeply rooted in the narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and subsequent resurrection. Following his crucifixion, Jesus was laid to rest in a tomb, which was sealed and guarded to prevent tampering (John 19:38-42). The crucifixion itself was a culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry, marked by his teachings, miracles, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
After his burial, the period of waiting ensued, filled with grief and uncertainty among his followers. On the third day, however, the narrative takes a dramatic turn with the discovery of the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ devoted followers, visits the tomb early in the morning, only to find the stone rolled away and the body of Jesus missing (John 20:1-2). Her initial reaction is one of distress, fearing that someone had taken the Lord’s body. She runs to inform Peter and the other disciple, who then come to witness the empty tomb themselves.
The subsequent appearances of Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the disciples are crucial in understanding the full context of John 20:17. When Mary encounters Jesus, she initially does not recognize him, mistaking him for the gardener. It is only when Jesus calls her by name that she realizes who he is (John 20:14-16). This moment is profound, as it signifies the personal and relational nature of Jesus’ resurrection appearances. Jesus then instructs Mary not to hold onto him, as he has not yet ascended to the Father. He tells her to go to his brothers and convey the message that he is ascending to “my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17).
This statement underscores the shared relationship between Jesus, his disciples, and God, emphasizing that through his resurrection, Jesus is establishing a new relationship with his followers. This moment sets the stage for the reader to grasp the theological and relational implications of Jesus’ ascension, providing a deeper understanding of the verse within the broader narrative of the Gospel of John.
Analysis of Jesus’ Words
In John 20:17, Jesus’ words carry profound theological significance. The verse reads, “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.'” This statement is rich with meaning and warrants a closer examination of each phrase to fully appreciate its implications.
The initial phrase, “Do not hold on to me,” suggests a shift in the nature of Jesus’ relationship with His disciples. By instructing Mary Magdalene not to cling to Him, Jesus indicates that His resurrection body, while physical, is not meant to be held onto in the same way as before. This points to a new phase in His mission, one that involves His impending ascension to the Father.
The next segment, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father,” highlights the transitional period between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. His ascension marks the completion of His earthly mission and the beginning of His heavenly ministry. This period serves as a bridge between Jesus’ physical presence on earth and His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit. The ascension is a crucial event that signifies Jesus’ return to divine glory and His continued work as an intercessor for humanity.
When Jesus says, “Go instead to my brothers and tell them,” He is emphasizing the importance of spreading the news of His resurrection and ascension. By referring to His disciples as “brothers,” Jesus underscores the intimate and familial relationship that believers share with Him. This term signifies a deep sense of belonging and unity within the community of faith.
The final part of the verse, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God,” reveals a profound theological truth. Jesus’ reference to “my Father and your Father” and “my God and your God” underscores the shared relationship between Jesus and His followers with the Father. It highlights the inclusivity of God’s family and the believers’ adoption into this divine relationship through Christ. This statement encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith, which is rooted in a personal and communal relationship with God.
Theological Implications of ‘My Father and Your Father’
The phrase ‘my Father and your Father’ in John 20:17 holds profound theological significance, particularly within the framework of divine filiation. When Jesus addresses God as ‘my Father,’ He affirms His unique sonship and intimate relationship with God, underscoring His divine nature and mission. However, by extending this relationship to encompass ‘your Father,’ Jesus introduces a transformative concept that believers, through faith, are also integrated into this divine family. This dual reference encapsulates the essence of Christian doctrine: the believers’ adoption as children of God.
Divine filiation, the belief that humans can become children of God, is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It implies a personal and communal relationship with God, wherein believers are not merely followers but are seen as God’s own children. This idea is not only pivotal in understanding the identity of Jesus but also in grasping the believers’ new identity in Christ. Through the redemptive work of Jesus, believers are granted the privilege to call God their Father, echoing the intimacy and reverence that Jesus Himself demonstrated.
This shared sonship, as articulated by Jesus, bridges the divine and human realms, suggesting that believers are co-heirs with Christ in the kingdom of God. It signifies a radical shift from the traditional Old Testament view of God as a distant, sovereign deity to a New Testament perspective of God as a loving, accessible Father. This father-child dynamic is foundational for understanding the nature of the Christian faith, where the relationship with God is characterized by love, trust, and obedience.
Moreover, this theological principle emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, uniting believers as brothers and sisters in Christ. Just as Jesus is the Son of God, believers, through their faith, are spiritually reborn into God’s family. This identity as children of God fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, reinforcing the idea that all believers are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated family.
The Significance of ‘My God and Your God’
In John 20:17, Jesus’s use of the phrase ‘my God and your God’ holds profound significance, shedding light on both His humanity and the shared relationship between Him and believers with God. This statement is pivotal in understanding Jesus’s acknowledgment of God, not only as His Father but also as His God. This dual recognition underscores the unique dual nature of Jesus as both divine and human. By referring to God as ‘my God,’ Jesus underscores His own submission and dependence, reflecting His human experience and connection to the divine.
Furthermore, Jesus’s declaration of ‘your God’ to His disciples bridges the divine relationship, extending it to all believers. This inclusive language signifies that the relationship Jesus has with God is not exclusive but shared. It provides believers with a profound sense of belonging and connection to the divine. Through this statement, Jesus emphasizes the accessibility of God to all; God is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the lives of believers, just as He was in Jesus’s life.
The phrase also serves to highlight the continuity and unity within the relationship between Jesus and His followers. By stating ‘my God and your God,’ Jesus reaffirms that His resurrection has not altered His or the believers’ relationship with God. Instead, it strengthens and confirms it. This shared relationship underscores the collective faith and spiritual kinship among believers, fostering a sense of community and mutual support grounded in their common worship and recognition of God.
In essence, the phrase ‘my God and your God’ encapsulates the essence of Jesus’s ministry and message: the bridging of humanity and divinity, and the unifying of believers under one God. This powerful statement invites reflection on the nature of our relationship with the divine and encourages believers to embrace their shared spiritual heritage with Jesus, fostering a deeper, more personal connection with God.
The Ascension of Jesus
The ascension of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christian doctrine, marking the culmination of His earthly ministry and His return to the divine realm. According to the New Testament, particularly in the accounts given in the Gospels of Mark and Luke as well as the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus’ ascension occurred forty days after His resurrection. This period allowed Jesus to appear to His disciples, providing them with final teachings and reinforcing the reality of His resurrection.
As described in Acts 1:9-11, Jesus was taken up before the disciples’ eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. This event holds profound theological significance. First, it signifies the enthronement of Jesus at the right hand of the Father, a position of ultimate authority and honor. This enthronement fulfills the prophetic vision found in Psalm 110:1, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'” By ascending to heaven, Jesus assumes His role as the eternal High Priest and King, interceding on behalf of humanity.
Moreover, the ascension underscores the promise of the Holy Spirit. Before His departure, Jesus assured His disciples that they would not be left alone; instead, they would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, empowering the disciples to carry out their mission of spreading the Gospel. The sending of the Holy Spirit signifies the continuation of Jesus’ work through His followers, establishing the Church and its mission on earth.
Thus, the ascension is not merely a departure but a transition that underscores Jesus’ divine authority and the initiation of His continued presence through the Holy Spirit. It marks the beginning of a new phase in the divine plan, where believers are called to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, empowered by the Spirit and assured of Christ’s sovereign rule.
Implications for Believers
John 20:17 holds profound implications for believers, offering a deepened understanding of their identity, relationship with God, and sense of mission. When Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God,” he bridges the divine relationship between Himself and His followers. This declaration invites believers to embrace a familial bond with God, transforming their spiritual identity.
Firstly, recognizing God as ‘our Father’ and ‘our God’ establishes a personal and collective identity for believers. This affiliation invites them into a family of faith, where their worth and purpose are intrinsically tied to this divine relationship. It underscores that their identity is not merely individualistic but communal, connected to a larger body of believers united in faith and purpose.
Furthermore, this relationship with God fosters a deeper intimacy and trust. Understanding that Jesus shares His Father with us encourages believers to approach God with the same confidence and love. It reassures them of God’s accessibility and willingness to engage in their lives, providing comfort, guidance, and a sense of belonging. This shift from a distant deity to a personal Father can profoundly impact how believers pray, worship, and live out their faith.
Finally, the verse underscores a sense of mission and purpose. Jesus’ ascension signifies the continuation of His work through His followers. Believers are called to carry forward His message of love, redemption, and reconciliation in the world. This mission is rooted in the understanding that they are co-heirs with Christ, entrusted with the responsibility to reflect God’s kingdom on earth. It compels them to live with intentionality, embodying the values of their faith in every aspect of their lives.
Thus, John 20:17 is not just a historical statement but a dynamic invitation for believers to find their identity, deepen their relationship with God, and fulfill their mission with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment.
Conclusion
In examining John 20:17, we have delved into the profound significance of Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene. This passage is pivotal in understanding the unique relationship between Jesus, God, and believers. Jesus’ declaration, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God,” highlights the shared spiritual kinship between Him and His followers. It underscores the intimate and personal bond that believers are invited to have with God, akin to the relationship between Jesus and the Father.
The study of this verse reveals several key insights. Firstly, it emphasizes the continuity of Jesus’ mission even after His resurrection. By referring to God as both His Father and the Father of the believers, Jesus bridges the divine connection, affirming that His resurrection ushers believers into a new realm of spiritual intimacy with God. Secondly, the verse underscores the dual nature of Jesus’ relationship with God – both as His Father and His God, which reflects the dual nature of Christ as both divine and human.
This understanding is not only theologically significant but also practically inspiring for Christians. The assurance that believers share in the same familial relationship with God as Jesus does provides a foundation for faith and encouragement. It reminds Christians that their faith journey is deeply personal and that they are part of a divine family. This shared spiritual bond invites believers to draw strength, comfort, and guidance from their relationship with God, especially in their daily lives.
In essence, John 20:17 serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection and the new relationship it establishes between God and believers. It encourages Christians to embrace this relationship fully, fostering a deeper connection with God that inspires and sustains their faith. As believers reflect on this verse, they can find renewed hope and motivation to live out their faith with confidence and joy, knowing that they are intimately connected to their Father and God.