They Call Him the Streak!
And they all left him and fled. And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked. Mark 14:50-52
Notice that everybody leaves Jesus; they fled! Then this mysterious young man with a fine linen cloth bugs out after they try to seize him. It states that he steaks off.
Who is this lad?
The linen is a clue that he is a person of some means, as the garment he leaves behind is expensive and signals wealth. Was this the rich young man who walked away “disheartened” as found in Mark 7:17-22? That would be a fascinating twist!
Or is it possible that this is the son of a wealthy resident of Jerusalem who hosted Jesus and the gang for the Passover meal that night? Could this be our author, John Mark? This would make sense if Mark were utilizing the Apostle John’s technique when he called himself the “the beloved disciple.” Mark could refer to himself simply as the “young man?” This too is plausible!
Could it be both? Once John Mark walked away from Jesus feeling sad, and now, after following him, he runs off naked leaving behind an article of linen clothing, the very sign of his wealth. This scenario would mean that his traveling with Paul in ministry and recording Peter’s story about the Lord could signal a complete cycle of faith! What a cool thing to ponder!
Regardless, the result is that Jesus walks this road alone. Sure, Peter will follow, but at a distance physically and emotionally, but then denies Jesus. All of this only adds to the suffering for sure.
It should also cause us to ponder if we would risk everything by staying at his side, or would we streak off “exposing” our fears.
Lord Jesus,
We are exposed when we falter before you, running away when we should stand with you. But we know that there is a road back to you paved with your amazing grace.
I pray in the name of the Forgiver. Amen!
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