The first recorded eyewitness testimony of seeing Jesus after the resurrection is a woman named Mary who was sobbing in the garden after the disciples had left. In John 20:16, we see Mary weeping outside of the empty tomb. She hears a voice asking her why she is crying, and turns to see that it is Jesus. He is not dead. He is alive. Just as she is ready to fling her arms around Him, Jesus says, “Mary, don’t cling to me, for I haven’t yet ascended to God, my Father.” (TPT)
Jesus is telling Mary to not cling to the way she once knew Him because now everything has changed.
Jesus continues as He tells her, “And he’s not only my Father and God, but now he’s your Father and your God! Now go to my brothers and tell them what I’ve told you, that I am ascending to my Father—and your Father, to my God—and your God!” (TPT)
Jesus is not a man who taught people about God in the past, He IS the Son of God who is present today to all He calls family.
To all who believe and trust Him.
To all who repent and receive His forgiveness.
To all who enter the embrace of grace and love from God as Father.
This is what we cling to, not the memory of Jesus but the present reality of the living, powerful, risen Christ today.
My friend, may your heart be filled with wonder as you embrace the glory of God present with you and the truth that you are declared in Him, His beloved child.