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Nothing is more grand, more precious, than the news to be announced to them. "I ascend to My Father," He who is so by nature; "and to their Father," by adoption and grace; "to My God," in covenant with Me as their Head, and "to their God," in covenant with them through Me and under Me. Words which at once show the triumph of Jesus Christ and the triumph of the Christian. Let us illustrate these two ideas.

I. IT WAS THE TRIUMPH OF JESUS CHRIST, AND REMROVED THE SCANDAL OF THE CROSS. "If thou be the Son of God," said the blinded Jews when insulting Him, "come down from the cross." Jesus did more — He came alive from the tomb; and this miracle of Divine power is only the first step of that elevation into which He is entering. "Go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father and your Father, and unto My God and your God." This is, then, the triumph of Christ.

II. IT IS A SOURCE OF THE RICHEST CONSOLATION AND TRUST TO ALL BELIEVERS. "I would wish this text," says the excellent Baxter, "written on my dying bed; I would wish to view it with my closing eyes, that I might exult in the agonies of dissolution." All! Christians, never forget it! And let it also be your rule in all your conduct; your consolation in your trials; your trust in the most disastrous situations.

1. If the Father of Jesus Christ is your Father and your God, always listen with docility to a voice at once so august and tender; follow the glorious example of the "first-born among many brethren."

2. If the Father of Jesus Christ is your Father and your God, submit with an entire resignation to all the dispensations of Providence, as Jesus submitted to them.

3. If the Father of Jesus Christ is your God and Father, then let this tender assurance augment your faith, your love, your detachment from the world.

(H. Kollock, D. D.)

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KJV: 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.

WEB: Jesus said to her, "Don't hold me, for I haven't yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"