"My brothers" & "Your Father"

After His resurrection, Jesus talked to Mary of Magdala in the garden of the tomb. She did not recognize Him—until He called her by name. Then she turned, fell at his feet, and cried out His title as Teacher in Aramaic, the common language of the region. “Rabboni!” she said. (Jn. 20:16b NIV)

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (v. 17)

In that intimate moment, Jesus called the disciples brothers, something He had not done before. Then, after referring to God as His Father, he added, and your Father . . .

With those few words, Jesus revealed that His death on Calvary had destroyed divisions. A division between God and His people had changed and a division between Jesus and the disciples had changed—both washed away by the Blood He shed on the cross.

Originally published April 8, 1983.