Christ Teaching Us How to Think About Himself
J. Bowery. John 20:17-18 Jesus said to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brothers, and say to them, I ascend to my Father… We are taught to think of — I. THE STRENGTH AND CONSTANCY OF HIS LOW. "My brethren" was applied — 1. To those who had recently acted in a cowardly and cruel manner. 2. To those whose state of mind was most dishonouring to Himself (Mark 16:10-15; Luke 24:11-21). 3. In the most momentous crisis in His history. 4. Without the slightest hint of their unworthy conduct. II. THE COMPLETION OF HIS EARTHLY WORK — "I ascend." As the farmer leaves the field when it has been cultivated, awaiting the results of his toil in the harvest; as the mariner leaps on shore when the voyage is over; as the warrior returns home when the victory is won; so our Lord turned His attention to heaven immediately on the conclusion of His work on earth, where He had been an exile. 1. In His life He had presented a perfect example of what men should be. 2. In His person and works He had supplied the most advanced revelation of God. 3. In His death He had atoned for the sins of the world, and laid the basis for a universal offer of pardon and eternal life. 4. In His resurrection He had given a pledge that His people should rise and that the last enemy should be destroyed. And now He turns His thoughts homeward. III. THE POWER AND DOMINION ON WHICH HE HAS ENTERED. 1. His personal rest and honour. "Ascend." What a contrast to His descent (John 17:15). 2. The fulfilment of His promise respecting the Spirit (John 14:25, 26; John 15:26, 27). 3. His prevalent intercession (Hebrews 2:9-11; Hebrews 7:24-28). 4. His unlimited authority and power to promote our interests. "Lo, I am with you alway"; "The Lord stood by me." 5. The certainty of His final recompense in the conquest of the world. "He must reign." 6. His return to receive us unto Himself. IV. THE ONENESS BETWEEN HIMSELF AND HIS PEOPLE. "My Father," &c. Suggestive of mutual — 1. Relationship. 2. Resemblance. 3. Interests. 4. Possessions. 5. Prospects. (J. Bowery.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. WEB: Jesus said to her, "Don't hold me, for I haven't yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"