Who’s the naked man running through the garden?
If there is a guy in a sheet with nothing underneath you are probably thinking toga party, right? If there is a guy running around naked you are probably thinking this has got to be some kind of fraternity stunt, right? That is what comes to my mind. But, in Scripture it was something totally different.
In the gospel of Mark we read that a young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked (Mark 14.51-52). This episode is unique to the gospel of Mark alone. It is needless to say that this is a most unusual occurrence.
Who is this young man? Many believe it is Mark himself. Since he is the alone gospel writer who mentions it this seems to be most likely. Otherwise, why would have he included it? Some believe that the Last Supper could have been at Mark’s home or his father’s home that evening (Mark 14.14-15). Mark could have very likely went to bed after Jesus and His disciples left. We do not know for sure what happened, but somehow Mark is in a sleeping garment as Jesus is being arrested by the mob, who would lead Him before the high priest and His accusers. Mark could have quickly dashed out of the house hearing about Judas’ scheme to warn Jesus who upon his arrival had already been arrested. Whatever the case Mark is with Jesus and the mob tries to detain him as well. But Mark admits that he would rather flee than be captured with Jesus. Mark was not alone in this though. Mark tells us that all the disciples left Him and fled (Mark 14.50) when Judas and the mob came with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus (Mark 14.43-49). Jesus is left alone and then led before His accusers.
The scene on this night was eventful and dramatic. Judas shows up with his sword and club bearing crew. Judas places a kiss on Jesus as a signal to the mob that this is the one to seize. Peter then draws a sword and strikes the ear of one of the one’s in the mob. Meanwhile there is Jesus displaying no excessive force unlike the mob and Peter. Jesus does not resist His arrest as the mob in a secluded and dark place carry out their cowardly scheme. The disciples did not shine in this moment. Their loyalty and confidence in Jesus collapses as they flee. No one is willing to be a witness and stick around to suffer with Jesus.
The disciples are ashamed in this moment. Mark writes the words of Jesus saying, For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels (Mark 8.38). I don’t want to throw Mark and the disciples under the bus because I would have most likely done the same, but Jesus wants us to be unashamed of Him. Do you remember what is said about Adam and Eve before their disobedience? Moses writes, And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed (Genesis 2.25). Simply this married couple was comfortable in their physical bodies and their relationship. There was no potential for evil or sin. They were willing to be themselves, take risk, be transparent, not hide, open themselves up to each other, be vulnerable, and give themselves completely to one another. Were the disciples like this in the moment of their Savior’s arrest? Not at all! They flee and hide. They are not willing to be honest and witness of their relationship with Jesus. There is no transparency, just fear. They are not willing to take the risk and stand with the One who will soon take the biggest stand for them. They were not willing to give themselves completely to Jesus. You could say and especially in Mark’s case, that they were naked and ashamed.
I pray that during this Easter season we would not be ashamed. May we speak of our Savior and the relationship we have with him. Invite a friend to church. Bring family members with you. Connect with a neighbor and share with them, whether it is an invite to church or actually sharing the gospel. Let’s be willing to take the risk and stand for the One who stands for us. Be vulnerable and transparent. Don’t hide behind the pretty Easter clothes. Open yourself up to Jesus, giving yourself completely to Him. Be naked (please wear clothes though) and unashamed!
About The Author
Jerry Witham is the Lead Pastor at The Ridge Church in Carrollton, TX. Besides Jesus his greatest joy is his wife, Annette and their three children, Noah, Grace and Pierce. Read his other articles here.
Robert
I love theology and the challenge of making deep teachings non-boring. Let's face it, most of the time we hear theological teaching, it really is boring. Does it really have to be that way? Nope.
