John 20:17

Touch me not, for. am not yet ascended to my Father.

She, in her gladness, sought to grasp her Lord about the feet. There has been much conjecture as to the reasons underlying the Savior's prohibition. It seems to me that the explanation is about as follows: She desired to fling herself upon the Lord and retain him, but it was needful that he come and go, during the time he showed himself to his disciples, until he "ascended to his Father." Then would he come again by the Spirit to be with his disciples forever. Had he permitted her embrace he would have been compelled, in. moment, to escape from her, but since he has ascended to his Father he abides with the saints forever! Though Mary is not allowed to embrace him, there is assigned to her. higher privilege.

She is told to go and tell the glad story to my brethren.

He is still our Brother.

I ascend to my Father.

The time of the ascension is viewed as present. He has risen; he ascends; another step in his exaltation. The Father to whom he ascends is "your Father" also. The disciples are brethren of the Lord and children of his Father.