Welcome!

QUESTION 202
ICan you explain in full about touch me not for I have not yet ascended?

ANSWER:
This is a reference to John 20:17, 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.

This is a very difficult verse. We are not told distinctly what it means but much conjecture by commentators have brought forth several opinions.

Here is a suggestive meaning for your consideration:
The O.T. priest went into the Presence of the Lord in the Tabernacle once a year to make atonement for the people. (Leviticus 16) He changed his clothes and washed in the laver and then took the blood of a goat into the tabernacle. He paused at the altar of incense and took some incense into the holy of holy and sprinkled the blood seven times on the mercy seat. If he had of touch any unclean thing prior to going in he was have had to change his clothes again and re-wash.

Could I suggest that Christ possibly ascended to heaven shortly after; He arose from the dead? The atonement or propitiation was not made at the Cross where His blood was shed. It was made in the heavenly Tabernacle, Hebrews 9:11-12. (Please read). Eternal redemption was obtained there. It does not necessarily mean He took His actual blood into God's presence, but the value of it that is still there (Hebrews 12:24).

There is no evidence that Mary was holding the Lord Jesus, but He says "Do not cling or restrain me" I have not yet gone to the Father". He later that day allowed the women in Matthew 28:7 to hold His feet. Also Thomas and others later. Something happened between the two events. The meaning most certainly has something to do with His ascension. He told her to go tell His disciple that He was risen.

Dear Readers, the important thing is that Christ has died and shed His blood for your sins. Have you repented of your sins and by faith trusted in that Saviour? All that He suffered for you, you will suffer in hell unless you trust Him. Do it today!

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Salvation Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen