Why Did Jesus Instruct Mary Not To Touch Him? Understanding the Mystery
Jesus said to her, “Do not touch Me, for not yet have I ascended to the Father. Now go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.” (John 20:17)
Of course Jesus gives us the answer in the verse. He had risen from death but had not completed all the work of salvation. He had to ascend to heaven and take His blood into the Holy of Holies of the Heavenly tabernacle, of which Moses’ tabernacle was a copy. For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. (Hebrews 9:24)
The most obvious answer seems to be, just as the Priest under the Law, who was about to enter the Holy of Holies had strict instructions about purifying himself. (Leviticus 16) so Jesus wished to ensure nothing interfered with His pure state, necessary for effective entry into the Tabernacle in Heaven. Some have queried what appears to be inconsistencies in the four Gospels about who went to the open tomb.
The answer is; Mary Magdalene went first, “Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. (John 20:1) Now when He (Jesus) rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary…
