It is important to see that the disciples were "born again" when they received the Spirit after Jesus breathed upon them. Jesus had the Holy Spirit to give because "being by the right hand of God exalted, [he had] received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:33)." Jesus told Mary, "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father (John 20:17)."

Up until that time "the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:39)." Then "by his own blood he entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12)." When He returned after entering the Holy Place, the disciples could now "touch him" for we read that He said to Thomas, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands (John 20:27)."

If you remember, Jesus had previously said, regarding His ascension, "Touch me not (John 20:17)." Also, He would not have told Mary about His ascension at that time if it had not had meaning for the disciples to be able to receive the Spirit when He appeared to them upon His return. We also remember the disciples discussing Jesus' statement: "A little while, and ye shall see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father (John 16:16)."

Jesus had said, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you (John 14:18)" and "we [the Godhead]...will make our abode with [you] (John 14:23)." "At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you (John 14:20)." "When Jesus returned to them, He came with the Comforter. The "Lord is that Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17)." Paul says, "Know ye not...that Jesus Christ is in you (2 Corinthians 13:5)?"