Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 20:17. It's a really important and fascinating part of the Bible! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling Mary Magdalene (who was a witness to his resurrection) that he isn't fully present with God yet. He needs to go to his brothers – specifically, to his disciples – to tell them about this incredible event. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “Jesus saith unto her…” : This is Jesus speaking directly to Mary. “…Touch me not” : This is a crucial part. He's saying, “Don’t touch me.” It’s like he’s warning her that his presence is still incomplete. Think of it as a temporary limit on his full power and authority. “for I am not yet ascended to my Father…” : This means Jesus isn’t fully in Heaven with God. He's not completely risen to the same state – like being fully God – that he was before. He's still traveling or working towards a higher place. “…but go to my brethren, and say unto them…” : Jesus is instructing Mary to go to his brothers – specifically, to his disciples (like Peter and John). This is a message of instruction. “and your Father” : He’s telling them that he will eventually return to God's Father. What does this all mean? This verse highlights a key aspect of Jesus’ identity: he was already God, but he needed to be transcended – elevated – to become fully God himself. It speaks to the idea that his resurrection wasn't just about him returning to Earth, but also about his ultimate return to the divine being. Why is this important? This verse is a cornerstone of Christian theology because it establishes: 1. Jesus’ Divinity: He was both fully God and fully human. 2. His Limited Time: His full presence wasn't immediate. He needed to be guided and communicated to others. In short, this verse says Jesus is still working towards his ultimate purpose and needs to be informed about what's happening. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Compare it to another passage from the Bible?