Do Not Hold On to Me

Mary Magdalene, a woman forgiven much, lingers at the tomb and is the first to see the risen Lord. When he says, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father," Jesus points her to a new and better relationship. His glory and his presence by the Spirit after the ascension surpass his earthly company. He calls the disciples "my brothers" and speaks of "my Father and your Father, my God and your God," so believers belong to the family and household of God.