Jesus and Mary. Mary has apparently followed the two disciples back to the tomb. After their departure she looks in, and sees a vision of angels (cf. Luke 24:4 ff.). Her thoughts are still full of the removal of the body, as her answer to the supposed gardener also shows. As usual, there is no expectation of the event that follows. It is only the pronunciation of her own name that reveals Jesus-' identity. Her attempt to offer worship is forbidden on the ground that He has not yet entered into His glory (cf. Matthew 28:9). Perhaps John 20:17 means that the old relations are no longer possible, and the time for the newer and more spiritual communion is not yet. The message to the brethren is so worded as to emphasize the difference between His and their relationship to the Father.
John 20:10-18
10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus saith unto her,Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her,Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
17 Jesus saith unto her,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, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.