Mark 14:42-52 | Isaiah 55:6-9
For many days, we’ve noticed a building struggle between the powers-that-be and Jesus Christ. Various religious leaders have not liked his growing popularity and power. Jesus has not sought to take up power in human ways, but has been steadfast in doing God’s will and way - talking to people, teaching people, healing people. The people have noticed and moved toward Jesus like a magnet. This vexes those in power.
Today’s passage sees a major shift in the progression of Jesus’ story. In purely human terms, it will seem like power is snatched from Jesus and into the hands of those who hold the keys to the chains. It’s the beginning of force and violence - the option chosen so often by humans in power or who seek to take power.
But this is simply the continued exposure of humanity’s problem with power. Jesus is in chains, but it all will serve to show how power through force and violence does not, can not, and will not win against the God of love.
In the midst of it all, Mark employs a literary character not found in any other gospel - the young, unnamed man. We’ll see him again in a different context with different features. Mark only designates him as a young man and a disciple. Scholars have thrown around a number of possibilities about who he is or what he represents.
For now, consider him representative of humanity here in the garden in which Jesus was arrested. Humanity has been exposed.
Mark 14:43-52
Suddenly, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came with a mob carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests, legal experts, and elders. His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss, and take him away under guard.”
As soon as he got there, Judas said to Jesus, “Rabbi!” Then he kissed him. Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.
One of the bystanders drew a sword and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear. Jesus responded, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like an outlaw? Day after day, I was with you, teaching in the temple, but you didn’t arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” And all his disciples left him and ran away. One young man, a disciple, was wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They grabbed him, but he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.
Isaiah 55:6-9
Seek the Lord when he can still be found;
call him while he is yet near.
Let the wicked abandon their ways
and the sinful their schemes.
Let them return to the Lord so that he may have mercy on them,
to our God, because he is generous with forgiveness.
My plans aren’t your plans,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my plans than your plans.
Prayer
God,
Do you ever just laugh at us? Maybe not because it’s comical. How can watching the same tragedy for thousands of years be funny after so long? But I mean, do you ever just laugh because it’s all you know to do, time after time of watching our silly grasps for power?
I just know sometimes when I’m frustrated with…let’s say…my teenagers: After dozens of times telling them the same thing, they act otherwise nonetheless. And all I can do is utter a stifled, guffawed laugh.
Actually, you probably don’t do that. And I’m grateful.
Lord, as I go about this day, help me to respond with wisdom, to move with a justice and certainty that love reigns supreme. Give me faith for such audacity. And dear God, please…give me glimpses of such a reality.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.