Forsaken. Mark 14:50-52.
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.
Dear New Israel,
The things that Jesus had told his disciples about were now taking place but the disciples were still unprepared.
Flight (v. 50). They had promised Jesus that they would die with him. They most probably based their promise on the vain hope that Jesus would fight, and given his supernatural abilities, they could fight alongside him with hardly a chance of being touched. But Jesus did not fight. They realized then that this was real. They were in danger, and courage forsook them. All, even Peter fled.
Following (v. 51). Jesus was alone – almost. Many Bible scholars have identified this young man as John Mark, the writer of this gospel. It is believed that the upper room used for the last supper was in his mother’s house. Mark would probably have followed Jesus and the disciples from a distance, not sure if he was intruding. When the disciples fled, Mark followed but he was seen and seized. His curiosity had got the better of him and he got too close.
Fear (v. 52). It is probable that what was seized was the linen cloth Mark had covered himself with. Naked was preferable to death, so he let go of his cloth and fled naked. Jesus was alone with his enemies. Following Jesus is fraught with danger. He gave his life for us. Will we flee and leave him without a friend. We Mua ask ourselves how much we are willing to sacrifice for him.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.