Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch Him but then let Thomas touch Him?
Jesus told Mary not to touch Him because He had not yet ascended to the Father; He was about to ascend to His Father and her Father, His God and her God. Later that day, after that first ascension, He invited Thomas to touch His hands and side to prove He was for real.
Les explains that Mary was ready to give Jesus an enthusiastic bear hug, but Jesus said, "Touch me not," because He had not yet ascended to His Father. He told her to go to the brethren and say He ascends to His Father and their Father, His God and their God. Les calls this the first ascension, distinct from the second ascension in Acts chapter 1, when Jesus left from the Mount of Olives as the disciples watched. Later, probably a little later in the day, Jesus told Thomas to reach his fingers, behold His hands, and thrust his hand into His side—that was touching, proving He was for real. Hebrews chapter 9, verse 11 gives the complete record of what took place early that Sunday morning in time and eternity as Jesus left the confines of this earth.
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.
Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
More Questions
Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch Him after His resurrection?
Mary wanted to embrace Jesus when she realized He was alive, but He held her at bay and said, 'Touch me not, for I have not yet ascended to my Father.'