Why are you holding on to me?

Scriptural Context and the Question’s Origin

John 20:17 records a pivotal post-resurrection moment: “Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and tell My brothers, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.”’” In some translations, it appears as “Do not hold on to me” or “Do not touch me.” The question “Why are you holding on to me?” arises when Mary Magdalene, overwhelmed by joy and reverence, clings to the resurrected Christ outside the tomb. Understanding why Jesus responded this way requires examining the scriptural background, the cultural and linguistic context, the theological implications, and its practical application for faith.

Immediate Context and Mary’s Response

Mary’s grief had turned to joy when she recognized Jesus (John 20:16: “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher).”). Her first instinct was to hold on to Him. This reaction is natural: faced with the risen Lord, Mary did not want to lose Him again. Yet Christ’s reply—“Do not cling to Me”—suggests that a new chapter in God’s redemptive plan was unfolding. Jesus would be physically present for only a short time between His resurrection and His ascension (Acts 1:3), after which believers would come to know Him by faith through the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).

Original Language Nuances

The Greek verb often translated as “cling,” “touch,” or “hold onto” is haptomai. Its meaning can imply a continuous or persistent action of holding, grasping, or detaining someone. In the context of John 20:17, Jesus was not forbidding all touch—He specifically allowed Thomas to touch Him later (John 20:27). Rather, He was cautioning Mary against trying to keep Him physically present as she knew Him before. This shift in relationship, from a purely tangible presence to a spiritual reality following His ascension, underscores the transition from clinging to the earthly manifestation of Jesus to anticipating the sending of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17).

Theological Significance of the Ascension

1. New Access to God

Jesus told Mary He had “not yet ascended” to the Father (John 20:17). His ascension would inaugurate a new era where believers have direct access to God through Christ’s high priestly role (Hebrews 4:14–16). By returning to the Father, Jesus would intercede on behalf of humanity, granting believers a deeper spiritual intimacy than was previously possible.

2. Promise of the Holy Spirit

Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus declared that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, would come to indwell and empower believers (John 14:26; 16:7). For Mary, physically clinging to Jesus was understandable, but Christ pointed her forward to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who would guide all believers into truth (John 16:13).

3. Proclamation to the Disciples

Jesus commissioned Mary to share the news of His resurrection with the disciples. By sending her to announce His upcoming ascension (“Go and tell My brothers”), He reinforced that the message of the risen Christ was too urgent for her simply to stay and cling to Him. The gospel had to be proclaimed widely (cf. Romans 10:14–15).

Resurrection Implications and Scriptural Unity

The resurrection of Christ demonstrates His victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). Throughout Scripture, from the early prophecy of Genesis 3:15 to the messianic As suffering of Isaiah 53, we see a unified narrative pointing toward the risen Messiah. The reliability of these prophecies and manuscripts is well-documented in vast collections of ancient biblical texts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, underscoring a consistent message: the Scriptures prophesied and affirmed Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

The question “Why are you holding on to me?” finds its resolution in this glorious plan of salvation. Clinging to Christ’s physical presence could hinder Mary from recognizing the full scope of His redemptive work that would soon manifest through the Holy Spirit indwelling believers. The early church fathers, including Tertullian and Athanasius, wrote extensively on the importance of Christ’s ascension and the believer’s relationship to Him by faith rather than physical proximity.

Practical Insights and Personal Application

1. Moving from Sight to Faith

Believers today cannot literally hold onto Jesus’ physical form, but we are encouraged to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). This faith is grounded not in myth but in verifiable historical events and credible eyewitness accounts (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Archaeological findings, such as references to early Christian worship sites in Jerusalem, corroborate key elements of the New Testament narrative.

2. Recognizing Christ’s Ongoing Work

Just as Mary was sent to proclaim the resurrection, so believers are called to share the good news (Matthew 28:19–20). There is no need to struggle to keep Jesus in one place when He is present with all who trust in Him (Matthew 18:20). Our relationship with Him now transcends geography and time.

3. Anticipating the Eternal Kingdom

Christ’s ascension points us forward to His promised return (Acts 1:11). Rather than clinging to a momentary experience, we are to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1–2). The question “Why are you holding on to me?” challenges us to open our eyes to the fullness of the gospel—Jesus would soon ascend, and His Spirit would be poured out so that billions around the world could also come to know Him.

Comfort and Encouragement for Believers

In times of longing or uncertainty, one might feel the urge to hold onto something physical. This episode gently reminds us that true closeness to Jesus is found in spiritual communion with Him. Though Mary could not cling to Him in that moment, the blessing of salvation culminates in an even deeper relationship with God through Christ’s finished work. Indeed, “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul” (Hebrews 6:19).

The biblical record is unequivocal that Jesus’ resurrection and ascension usher believers into a restored relationship with God. Scientific and philosophical investigations can explore evidence for intelligent design and historical events surrounding Christ’s resurrection, but ultimately, the question finds its fullest answer in Scripture, upheld by thorough manuscript evidence, historical reliability, and transformed lives. Scripture consistently portrays a God who entered history to redeem humanity, and post-resurrection events like the one in John 20:17 are integral to this unfolding redemption story.

Concluding Reflections

“Why are you holding on to me?” encapsulates a momentary tension between Jesus’ earthly appearance and His imminent ascension. The Savior’s response to Mary invites all believers to embrace the new reality of His ongoing priestly ministry in heaven and the presence of the Holy Spirit on earth.

Far from discouraging devotion, this passage elevates our perspective: we no longer need to cling to a localized Christ when He can dwell within us by His Spirit. The ascension was not the end—it was the necessary transition for Christ to be accessible to all. Hence, our hope is securely grounded in the risen, ascended Lord who calls us not merely to hold onto what was but to proclaim what is and what will be in Him.