Mark 14:51 - 52
ESV - 51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him. 52 But he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
[young man] Some say this was Lazarus, others the rich young ruler, and still others John Mark, but all speculation is useless.
[linen cloth] Greek: sindon (GSN-), linen cloth with which the dead were buried or people wore as a robe at night.
I wonder about this unknown young man. But there is a pattern to the way another disciple followed but not always as part of the inner circle. This requires an open mind as some already believe that this is John the witness of the book of John. But look at the pattern! Jn 21:20-24 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (He is following.)
Jn 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother there near the cross and the disciple he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,..." (He was standing nearby.) This unknown young man fits the behaviour of the Disciple Jesus loved.
Now we read Mk 14:51 again and it seams familiar. This young man was following in the same manner. Everyone else ran away but this young man. Exiting!
I wrote my opinion from a good conscience as part of a self study on the status of the disciple Jesus loved. He never left the vicinity of Jesus. Humbly yours in Christ. Maranatha!
Much of what we say about this young man is speculation. I suggest that the young man who fled naked is the same young man that surprised the women at the tomb. The tomb was guarded NOT by Roman soldiers but by the Temple Guard (check out Matthew). Many people suggest the person sitting in the tomb was an angel. There is no real evidence for this. In fact the women's testimony hardly featured in the preaching of the early church concerning their encounter. Why is this. The gospels are entirely consistent in presenting the resurrection of Jesus. I urge people to study in detail and prayerfully reflect, ask God, what really happened.