The only Gospel account where the resurrection appearance to the women includes them touching or taking hold of Jesus’ feet is in Matthew’s Gospel. In contrast to his command to Mary Magdalene in John 20 to not touch him.
- Matthew 28:9 (NRSVUE):
“Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.” (This is the moment where the women grasp Jesus’ feet in worship after seeing the risen Lord.) (Bible Hub)
Matthew 28:9-10 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
By contrast:
- In John 20:16-17, when Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus near the tomb, Jesus says to her,
John 20:16-17 (NRSVUE):
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not touch me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ”
