Interpretation of the Bible / John 20:17

In this verse from John 20:17, Jesus is speaking to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection.

What does it mean, “I have not yet ascended to the Father”?

Jesus asks Mary not to touch Him or hold on to Him because He was about to ascend to heaven to meet His Father. The word “yet” suggests that the time of His ascension was very near.

Jesus calls His followers “brothers”

Jesus calls his followers “brothers,” not disciples or followers. However, Jesus uses this term to refer to a relationship of spiritual kinship, indicating the close relationship He had with those who believed in Him.

A personal relationship with God

In this statement, Jesus also emphasizes the personal relationship He has with God and the personal relationship believers can have with God. He does not say, “Our Father and our God,” but “My Father and your Father, My God and your God.”

By this Jesus means that since His death and resurrection, believers have direct access to a relationship with God as their Father and their God.