Richard’s Remarks
Following His resurrection from the tomb, Jesus told Mary Magdalene, “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father...” (John 20:17, KJV). Yet, later in that same chapter we find that Jesus instructed Thomas to touch Him (John 20:27). So, why did He tell Mary not to touch Him but then told Thomas to touch Him?
The answer can be found by simply looking at John 20:17 in some other translations. For example, the New American Standard Bible says, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father...” The New International Version reads, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father...” The New King James Version says, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father...” One more, the English Standard Version reads, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father...” By looking at these other translations, we get a little better picture of what was taking place. Rather than simply touching Jesus (as Thomas would later do), Mary was clinging on to Him. Remember, she thought somebody had stolen the body of Jesus. She had found Peter and John and told them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him” (John 20:2). While she was at the tomb, two angels asked her why she was weeping. She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him” (John 20:13). When Jesus first spoke to Mary, she assumed He was the gardener and asked, “Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where hast thou laid him, and I will take him away” (John 20:15). So, just think how thrilled she must have been when she realized that it was Jesus who was speaking to her! At that moment she realized He was alive. So, seemingly overwhelmed, she reacted by clinging to Him. Yet, it seems that Jesus was indicating that she would have to let him go due to the fact that He would eventually ascend to the Father.
I have found that reading a particular verse or passage in a couple or more translations can be very, very helpful. I highly recommend it. I regularly utilize a number of translations in my own studies and in my lesson preparations. In my opinion, depending solely upon any single translation can be detrimental to a person’s pursuit of a deeper understanding of God’s word. So, keep a couple translations on hand and refer to them collectively and comparatively.
Lord willing, in the next week or two, I’ll present a Sunday evening lesson on the topic of translations.