CONSIDER WHY JESUS TOLD THOMAS TO TOUCH HIM
Command to Thomas
After Jesus told Mary not to touch Him, we see in just ten verses later that He is telling doubting Thomas, to touch Him with specific instructions to put his finger in the nail prints in His hands. He even told Thomas to put his hand into the hole in His side where He had been pierced. Jesus wanted Thomas to touch Him.
Then he said to Thomas: "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side." (John 20:27)
Did Jesus forget that He had told Mary Magdalene not to touch Him? Why would He told one person not to touch Him and another person to touch Him?
Context of the Commands
Jesus' command to Mary Magdalene and to Thomas had nothing to do with playing favorites or using a double standing. Jesus was not being wishy-washy or had forgotten what He said earlier. The context of the commands was entirely different.
The timing and place of the gestures had everything to do with the commands.
Notice that Jesus met Mary Magdalene in the garden BEFORE He had returned to His Father. That was His explanation to Mary for not allowing her to touch Him. Reread John 20:17.
Notice that Jesus had the conversation with doubting Thomas in the upper room AFTER He had returned to His Father and was back on earth for 40 days before ascending to His Father.
Besides, Jesus needed to give doubting Thomas proof of His resurrection. Mary was already assured of His resurrection. Jesus proved that to her by calling her name. She immediately said, "Rabonni" which indicated she knew who He was. Thomas needed proof.
jesus-told-mary-magdalene-touch-me-not-but-told-thomas-touch-me
Hopefully, the above explanation satisfies your curiosity about why Jesus told Mary one thing and Thomas just the opposite.
Remember and reflect on the timing and the reasons for the two opposite commands
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