Jesus tells Mary Magdalene in the garden to stop clinging to him because he has not yet ascended to his Father (John 20:17). Why was it important that he go to his Father before seeing the twelve disciples? We know he was to appear to many people over a period of forty days before his disciples would see him ascend to heaven, but John seems to indicate that Jesus would ascend to heaven even before his disciples watched him disappear in the clouds. Why?
The writer of Hebrews gives us an insight into the mystery. He writes, "..Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood he entered the Most Holy Place once and for all, having obtained eternal redemption...and for this reason he is the mediator of the new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:12,15).
Jesus presented the accomplished work of our salvation to his Father before spending the last instructive time with all those who knew him in the flesh. It is like he was closing the door of required animal sacrifices and opening the door to free entrance into the throne room of God.
