Mary Magdalene was not to cling to Jesus as “Teacher,” for Jesus was in the midst of establishing the new covenant that Jeremiah had described, a covenant written on human hearts, rather than on stone tablets or parchment scrolls. He was in the midst of establishing a new relationship between God and God’s people and new relationships between “the greatest and the least.”

The new covenant would have as its source and authority the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit would be available to all (“the greatest and the least”). We surmised that Jesus was NOT saying that there would no longer be pastors or teachers (rabbis). Rather, Jesus was telling Mary Magdalene that the time had come for each person to receive and acknowledge his or her own spiritual wisdom and moral responsibility - given by and through the Holy Spirit. (How interesting that God so ordered that this conversation occurred between Christ and a woman!)

Thus, we may seek guidance from our spiritual leaders, but we are to be careful not to abdicate the blessed combination of privilege and responsibility involved in our own pursuit of a relationship with God, whom Jesus says we may claim as Father.

Mark 6:5 informs us that Jesus could work “no miracle” in Nazareth (well, no miracle other than a few healings), so great was the people’s unbelief - and so great was/is God’s respect for human free will. The residents of Nazareth saw Jesus as a carpenter, the human relative of human relatives. And they took offense at Jesus.

Mary Magdalene was in a different category. Her love for Jesus is evident, even to those of us who have never met her! But Jesus encouraged her to look beyond what she thought she knew about the Messiah and about God’s kingdom.

“Do not cling!” Seek the relationships and the revelations God has promised. And know that the Father has written all these things upon your heart. And know that the Holy Spirit will “bring to your remembrance” all that Christ has said (John 14:26).