The Gospel of Mark: Betrayal & Arrest

Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.

A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked. ~ Mark 14:43-52


We don't know who this naked young man is. As in other cases, Mark gives only enough detail to pique curiosity, but not enough to settle a bet!

I don't think the point of this young man though is who he is. I think the point is what he does.

What are other ways of saying "ran off?"

Fled. Deserted.

From now until the end of Mark's Gospel, pay attention to everyone leaving Jesus.

Up until this point, Jesus has had followers. This young man was following. The disciples were following. The crowds were following.

Now he has fleers, deserters, betrayers, and soon to be deniers.

The following is over.

Pay attention to the fleeing. Pay attention to the deserting. 

And wonder just what it is Mark wants us to know about that.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Questions:


What does Mark want us to know about the increasing "alone-ness" of Jesus?



 

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