Word@Work 182 - Mark 14:51-52
Published: Wed, 08/06/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:51-52 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. (NIV)
This is probably a very personal aside from the author: a way of identifying himself at the scene. Although it is unwise to try to join up Bible dots that are too widely spaced, there is enough evidence to suggest that the Last Supper may have been held in Mark's family home and that he rushed out in his linen sleeping cloth, on hearing of a disturbance at Gethsemane. The importance of this verse, is to identify the writer as a participant (even if briefly), rather than a mere observer of historical details.
Involved, sympathetic or even a convinced follower of the Lord Jesus, this young man showed no greater loyalty than the disciples when it came to the test. He too ran away, with nothing to hide either his modesty or his conscience. However much this gospel urges us to see Jesus for who He really is, this fleeting act reveals that not even Mark understood at the time. He too needed the conviction and conversion by the Holy Spirit before he could be useful. Even then, he was a big disappointment to the Apostle Paul. But Mark found his special space as a writer, rather than a front line pioneering missionary.
However, it was not to boost Marks' literary success that Jesus died, but to pay for his failure. At the crucial point, all his supporters fled ... and so would we had we been there. It was for such weakness and many others that Jesus Christ had to die. Mark's personal contribution to the sins of the world was etched upon the body of Jesus, and he knew it. However, as Jesus said, those who know they have been forgiven much, love much (Luke 7:47). Mark's experience of failure and forgiveness seems to have put great energy into his God-appointed ministry - it was designed to do that for him, and for you too!
Prayer: Dear Lord. As I contemplate my failures, I also see the cross on which You died to bear their punishment for me. Help me to serve you in humble gratitude, willing to share my love of Jesus at work, at home and on holiday. In Your Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
This is probably a very personal aside from the author: a way of identifying himself at the scene. Although it is unwise to try to join up Bible dots that are too widely spaced, there is enough evidence to suggest that the Last Supper may have been held in Mark's family home and that he rushed out in his linen sleeping cloth, on hearing of a disturbance at Gethsemane. The importance of this verse, is to identify the writer as a participant (even if briefly), rather than a mere observer of historical details.
Involved, sympathetic or even a convinced follower of the Lord Jesus, this young man showed no greater loyalty than the disciples when it came to the test. He too ran away, with nothing to hide either his modesty or his conscience. However much this gospel urges us to see Jesus for who He really is, this fleeting act reveals that not even Mark understood at the time. He too needed the conviction and conversion by the Holy Spirit before he could be useful. Even then, he was a big disappointment to the Apostle Paul. But Mark found his special space as a writer, rather than a front line pioneering missionary.
However, it was not to boost Marks' literary success that Jesus died, but to pay for his failure. At the crucial point, all his supporters fled ... and so would we had we been there. It was for such weakness and many others that Jesus Christ had to die. Mark's personal contribution to the sins of the world was etched upon the body of Jesus, and he knew it. However, as Jesus said, those who know they have been forgiven much, love much (Luke 7:47). Mark's experience of failure and forgiveness seems to have put great energy into his God-appointed ministry - it was designed to do that for him, and for you too!
Prayer: Dear Lord. As I contemplate my failures, I also see the cross on which You died to bear their punishment for me. Help me to serve you in humble gratitude, willing to share my love of Jesus at work, at home and on holiday. In Your Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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