How many days before anyone could touch Jesus after his resurrection?

A:

This depends on the passage being read:

• In Matthew 28:9, the women touch Jesus, holding him by the feet, on the morning of his resurrection. Jesus allowed them to worship him thus.
• In John 20:17, Jesus says to Mary Magdalene, "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended ..." In this gospel, not only could Mary not touch Jesus, but no one could before he rose to heaven.
• Eight days later, still in John's Gospel at verse 20:27, Jesus forgets his earlier concern and tells Thomas to touch his wounds.