What message did Jesus tell Mary to deliver to His disciples?
Jesus instructed Mary to go to His brethren, the eleven, and tell them, 'I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and to your God.' This message announced His ascension to the Father following His resurrection.
Les explains that when Mary wanted to embrace Him, Jesus said, 'Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father.' He then instructed her to go to His brethren, the eleven, with the message, 'I ascend unto my Father, and your Father, to my God, and to your God.' Les calls this the first ascension, noting a later second ascension in Acts chapter 1 when Jesus left from the Mount of Olives as the disciples watched. He also points to Hebrews 9:11 as the complete record of what took place early that Sunday morning.
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.
More Questions
Why did Jesus say 'Touch me not' to Mary in John 20:17?
The reason Jesus gave Mary for saying 'Touch me not' was that He had not yet ascended to His Father.
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.'