Albert Barnes Commentary John 20

The scripture. See Luke 24:26, 46. The sense or meaning of the various predictions that foretold his death, as, for example, Psalms 2:7, compare Acts 13:33; Psalms 16:9, 10, compare Acts 2:25-32; Psalms 110:1, compare Acts 2:34, 35.

They have taken away. That is, the disciples or friends of Jesus who had laid him there. Perhaps it was understood that the body was deposited there only to remain over the Sabbath, with an intention then of removing it to some other place of burial. Therefore, they hastened early in the morning to make preparation, and Mary supposed they had arrived before her and had taken him away.

Knew not that it was Jesus. She was not expecting to see him. It was also still twilight, and she could not see distinctly.

Jesus saith unto her, Mary. This was spoken, no doubt, in a tone of voice that at once recalled him to her recollection.

Rabboni. This is a Hebrew word denoting, literally, my great master. It was one of the titles given to Jewish teachers.

This title was given under three forms:

1. Rab, or master—the lowest degree of honour.
2. Rabbi, my master—a title of higher dignity.
3. Rabboni, my great master—the most honourable of all.

This title, among the Jews, was only given to seven persons, all persons of great eminence.

As given by Mary to the Saviour, it was at once an expression of her joy and an acknowledgment of him as her Lord and Master. It is not improbable that she, filled with joy, was about to cast herself at his feet.

Touch me not, etc. This passage has given rise to a variety of interpretations. Jesus required Thomas to touch him (John 20:27), and it has been difficult to ascertain why he forbade Mary to do this now. The reason he directed Thomas to touch him was that Thomas doubted whether he had been restored to life.

Mary did not doubt that. The reason he forbade her to touch him now is to be sought in the circumstances of the case. Mary, filled with joy and gratitude, was about to prostrate herself at his feet, disposed to remain with him and offer him her homage there as her risen Lord.

This is probably included in the word touch in this place. The language of Jesus may mean this: "Do not approach me now for this purpose. Do not delay here. Other opportunities will still be afforded to see me. I have not yet ascended—that is, I am not about to ascend immediately, but will still remain on earth to afford opportunity for my disciples to enjoy my presence." From Matthew 28:9, it appears that the women, when they met Jesus, held him by the feet and worshipped him. It was probably Mary's intention to offer this type of adoration, and this, at that time, Jesus forbade, directing her to go at once and give his disciples notice that he had risen.

My brethren. See John 15:15.

My Father and your Father, etc. Nothing was better fitted to afford them consolation than this assurance that his God was theirs, and that, though he had been slain, they were still indissolubly united in attachment to the same Father and God.

For I ascend, see John 16:28. For your Father, see Romans 8:14, 15; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Galatians 3:26; 4:6, 7. For my God, see Ephesians 1:17. For your God, see Genesis 17:7, 8; Psalms 43:4, 5; Psalms 48:14; Isaiah 41:10; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:28; Zechariah 13:9; Hebrews 11:16; Revelation 21:3.