These are the types of passages which capture my imagination. Obviously, I do not plan to base my entire theology on this verse. I do ask questions:
- WHY is he in the garden dressed like this? Didn't his mother ever warn him to put on a clean toga in case of Roman capture?
- WHO is this?
- HOW did he here that the action was in the garden?
- WHY is this shared in the Word?
Mark's gospel is the only one to record this story. This has led to speculation that the young man following Jesus and stripped naked was Mark himself.
We do know this was a young man determined to follow Jesus. Nothing stopped him from his quest of abiding fellowship with Jesus. I can learn from this nameless, naked, young man.
This reminds me of a more dignified challenge in Hebrews 12:1b - 2a "....lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus...."
I believe this young man's eyes were fixed on following Jesus. Nothing stopped him from following.
Following Jesus may lead to strange actions from me (how long would it have taken to throw on a toga?).
Nothing can be allowed to distract me from following Jesus.
Following Jesus will often leave me feeling stripped naked - and that's good.
Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...
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