The Characters

The Characters

Mark 14:48-52, NLT

Jesus asked them, “Am I some dangerous revolutionary, that you come with swords and clubs to arrest me? 49Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there among you teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me.” 50Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. 51One young man following behind was clothed only in a long linen shirt. When the mob tried to grab him, 52he slipped out of his shirt and ran away naked.

Setting the Scene

Shortly before this confrontation, the disciples had vowed never to desert Jesus (Mark 14:31). The all who had promised total allegiance were now the all who fled into the night. Judas’s kiss marked a turning point for them. With Jesus’ arrest, each one’s life would be radically different. For the first time, Judas openly betrayed Jesus before the other disciples, and for the first time, Jesus’ loyal disciples “deserted him and ran away.” Their world was collapsing. Their teacher who had taught in the Temple was under arrest, and their treasurer had become a traitor. What confusion! The disciples’ loyalty to Jesus should have kept them from running, but fear took its toll. One young man (probably Mark), who had been following the disciples, was so afraid that he left his clothes behind and ran away naked.

The band of fearful and dispirited disciples would be tested even more severely before being transformed from hesitant followers into dynamic leaders.

Getting Personal

Why do some people feel they’re not qualified to do anything great for God?

Matthew was a despised tax collector. Thomas had his doubts. John and Andrew had bad tempers. Peter was impetuous and outspoken. They all ran away. How does knowing that God used flawed men and women to advance his Kingdom encourage you as you serve him?

When have you seen God use you, despite your imperfections?

This certainly was a low point for the disciples. And the fact that the writers of the Gospels included this incident confirms that they were recording the truth. These men did not present themselves as heroic in any sense of the word.

Despite their cowardly flight, this account of the disciples’ behavior should encourage us and give us hope. Obviously God uses ordinary, weak people to accomplish his mission in the world. Sometimes we create a mental image of biblical characters as larger than life, strong, courageous, and dynamic. In reality, they were just like us: fallible, weak, and often cowardly. Yet God chose them, working in and through them, and they changed the world.

Talking to God

Don’t hesitate to lay your weaknesses and fears before your heavenly Father; he knows them all already! Bring him your willingness to obey and to follow him. Give him your heart, and pray that he will grow in you a desire to serve his Kingdom.