The Meaning Behind Jesus' Encouragement to Mary Magdalene: A Divine Revelation
Understanding the encounter between Jesus and Mary Magdalene after His resurrection requires a deep dive into the biblical context, historical significance, and theological interpretation. Traditionally, many have assumed that Jesus said, 'Do not touch me,' indicating a prohibition or divine instruction. However, a closer examination of the text reveals a different nuance.
Correcting the Misunderstanding
Contrary to popular belief, Jesus did not say, 'Do not touch me,' but rather, 'Do not cling to Me.' This subtle difference carries profound implications for our understanding of the event. In John 20:17, Jesus instructed Mary, 'Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.God.'
This passage reveals that Jesus was politely reminding Mary Magdalene and the other disciples that He still had unfinished work and there was a call for Him to ascend to the Father and establish His throne. This act also symbolized the beginning of His mission to spread the message of salvation and acceptance among humanity.
The Historical and Cultural Context
During the period of Jesus' resurrection, Jews maintained strict hygiene and purity regulations. It was considered unclean to touch a corpse. Therefore, when Mary approached Jesus, His counsel to 'do not cling to Me' was rooted in a desire to protect her from ritual uncleanness. His instruction underscored the importance of Jesus’ transcendence and the sanctity of His mission.
Grace and Revelation
After His resurrection, Jesus exhibited a tremendous power and grace that could be overwhelmingly magnificent. Mary Magdalene’s desire to embrace Jesus was natural given the joy and relief from the news of His resurrection. However, Jesus gently rebuked her, instructing her to go and share the good news with the others. This act of rebuke was not a punishment but a profound act of divine leadership, guiding her to continue His mission on earth.
The Role of Angels
The encounter also involved angels, who were positioned at the head and feet of the tomb. Their revelation of Jesus as He was revealed to Mary was significant. As angels, they were able to gaze upon the Lord with true glory, which overwhelmed them. Mary, on the other hand, initially recognized Him as a gardener, not seeing His true glory at that moment. It was only after He called her name and she turned around that she recognized Him.
Further Biblical Context: The Transfiguration
Further insight into the nature of Jesus can be gained from the account in Mark 9:2-6, which describes the transfiguration of Jesus. The transfiguration was a moment of intense divine glory, but even then, the disciples did not fully comprehend what they were experiencing. Their suggestion to build tabernacles was a reflection of their inability to grasp the magnitude of Jesus' glory.
Theological Significance
The encounter with Mary Magdalene, coupled with the transfiguration, underscores the theme of divine revelation and the importance of ministering to others. Jesus, in His resurrection and after, demonstrated that His mission was not just about Himself but about leading others to God. This is reflected in His instruction to Mary to go and spread His message to the others.
Conclusion
The episode between Jesus and Mary Magdalene after His resurrection is a profound and significant one. It highlights the importance of divine guidance, the seriousness of divine instructions, and the role of grace in understanding the deeper meanings of events. It serves as a reminder of the mission that awaits believers and the importance of sharing the message of salvation with others.