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

  • 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
  • Revelation 2:10
  • Hebrews 11:33-38

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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

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.

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