JANUARY 28, 2026 – DO NOT CLING TO ME

READ: Jn. 20:1–18: … and saw that the stone had been taken away … For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise … Do not cling to Me … your Father …

It is striking that after Jesus’ death, His disciples and followers still lack faith in His resurrection. Their deep sorrow shows no hope, and even the opened tomb is not yet seen as proof of His resurrection (cf. Lk. 24:12).

John says in v.9: they did not yet know the Scripture that He must rise. In v.8, “the other disciple”—John—enters the tomb after Peter. He writes that “he saw and believed,” referring to the folded graveclothes and the separate face cloth. Only now does John believe what Jesus had repeatedly said (Matt. 16:21; 17:23; 20:19; Lk. 18:34) and what the Old Testament foretold (1 Cor. 15:4; Ps. 16:10; Ps. 110; Ps. 118; Is. 53:10).

Jesus Himself explains this to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:25–27). Both His suffering and His resurrection are essential for our salvation. The disciples understood neither, but Jesus would instruct them further before ascending to the Father (Acts 1:3), and later the Spirit would lead them into all truth (Jn. 14:26; 16:13).

When Mary finally recognizes Jesus, He says: “Do not cling to Me.” She may touch Him, but not keep Him from His path. She may not claim Him for herself. Jesus must take the next step toward the Father, where He will be glorified (17:5) in order to bring all His own to glory as well as children of the Father (17:24; Rom. 8:21).

Why do so few believe? 

Sing: Hymn 26:1 (1984) / 31:1 (2014)