What Jesus Did! 'Escaped Naked' — Mark 14:51-52

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

One young man following behind [when Jesus was arrested] was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked
— Mark 14:51-52 NLT

Key Thought

While Mark 14:50 is one of the most heart-wrenching passages of the Bible, these verses are some of the most intriguing. Some have suggested that this reference is to John Mark, who wrote this gospel - these verses don't occur elsewhere - and that this is his signature placed with his gospel to validate it. If this is so, it is yet another reminder that even those who secretly tried to follow Jesus during his Passion were run off by the violent mob that attacked the Lord, leaving Jesus completely alone, without a friendly face when surrounded by a crowd thirsty for blood. No matter who this young man may have been, he is a reminder of a host of those who followed the Lord about whom we know little or nothing. Yet their presence and support of the Lord at other times were crucial to the spread of God's Kingdom and the triumph of the Good News.

Today's Prayer

Father, I thank you for those who followed Jesus who I will never know until heaven. I know you used so many more people to support his ministry and carry on his mission than we know about from the New Testament. Help me be willing to serve him whether I am known or not known by future generations as one of his loyal followers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Story: Garments of Grace
Article by Phil Ware
How can these grave clothes speak of a better hope? Phil Ware continues his series that parallels The Story and he brings us to the resurrection of Jesus through the humiliation of his disciples and himself and tying his message to the garments of Jesus.
Which Way Will I Run?
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Will I run in faith to follow the Jesus of the empty tomb even if it means I have to follow him to a cross of my own? James Nored and Phil Ware share in video, words, and images some of the many reasons Christians have to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and is Lord, Christ, Jesus, and Son of God!
The Way of Jesus #7: Which Way Will I Run?
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Will I run in faith to follow the Jesus of the empty tomb even if it means I have to follow him to a cross of my own? James Nored and Phil Ware share in video, words, and images some of the many reasons Christians have to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead and is Lord, Christ, Jesus, and Son of God, and how his love defined the way of Jesus through the cross to

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 14:51-52 NLT — One young man following behind [when Jesus was arrested] was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Be Brave Because the Lord Is on Our Side'
"Be brave and confident! There's no reason to be afraid of King Sennacherib and his powerful army. We are much more powerful, because the Lord our..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Make a Joyful Symphony' (Ps. 98:5)
"Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful symphony..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'To the Praise of His Glory!'
"Dear Disciple, One day you will hear the angels sing in celebration around the throne of God (Revelation 5:11-13). However, I wish you could hear..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Who Can Argue with These Qualities?'
"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!