What does John 20:14 mean?

Mary Magdalene was one of the women who stood nearby and watched Jesus die on a cross (John 19:25). She saw Him hastily buried (Matthew 27:60–61) and came before dawn on a Sunday to give His body a more appropriate treatment (John 20:1). Finding the tomb empty, she ran to get John and Peter, who inspect the grave and leave without seeming to have much to say (John 20:2–10). This left Mary alone, crying, after which she looks in to see two men—angels—sitting in the tomb (John 20:11–13). She explains her grief, but apparently does not realize she is speaking to messengers of God.

Those prior details are crucial in understanding why Mary did not recognize Jesus at first. Her last glimpse of Him was a mutilated corpse (John 19:1–4, 18, 34). Modern entertainment includes "makeover" shows where someone is given a new hairstyle, clothes, and makeup, and family members note the difference. A common remark in those shows is "I almost didn't recognize you!" Mary, in state of mourning and confusion, eyes blurred with tears, and in dim light (John 20:1) would never have assumed the figure standing nearby was the same person she saw mangled and buried just a few days before.