“Don’t Cling to Me” – Why the Risen Jesus Changes Everything | John 20

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Do not cling to me”?

In today’s Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack shares Part 1 of a powerful Easter sermon from Pastor Nick at Shepherd Church’s Johnstown Campus, walking through John chapter 20 and Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus.This message explores:

• The meaning of the empty tomb
• Why Mary didn’t recognize Jesus at first
• The surprising command, “Do not cling to me”
• How the resurrection leads to the ascension
• Why following Jesus looks different after Easter

This episode reminds us that Jesus is alive—and because He ascended, our faith, mission, and reliance are transformed.📖 Scripture: John 20
🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Nick
🎧 Host: Pastor Zack
⛪ Church: Shepherd Church (Shepnaz)

👉 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://www.shepnaz.org
👉 Watch more episodes: https://www.shepnaz.org/podcast💬 We’d love to hear from you!
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⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Easter Context00:46 – Introduction to John 2001:00 – The Empty Tomb01:59 – Mary Magdalene Weeps02:34 – Mary Encounters the Risen Jesus03:23 – Opening Prayer03:46 – Why the Empty Tomb Matters05:18 – Seeing Nothing and Believing05:45 – Jesus the Gardener & New Creation07:07 – “Do Not Cling to Me”07:54 – Mary Magdalene’s Story09:09 – Faithfulness at the Cross10:54 – Jesus Is Alive12:30 – Why This Command Feels Strange13:29 – Misplaced Reliance Explained14:50 – Resurrection Leads to Ascension16:14 – Why Jesus Says This Is Better16:35 – Part 2 Teaser & Closing