Who Was the Naked Boy In the Garden of Gethsemane?

And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. -- Mark 14:51,52

Just about the time Jesus was finished healing the ear of the servant of the high priest named Malchus, the Gospel of Mark tells us a naked young man was found in the Garden of Gethsemane. Mark 14:51,52 says, "And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: and he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked." 

Who was this young man? Why was he following Jesus? Why was he naked? Why was he draped in a linen cloth instead of wearing normal clothes? And why was the Holy Spirit so careful to include this unique story in Mark's account of the Gospel? What is the significance of this event? 

Jesus on Daniel

When you see the "abomination of desolation," spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 

Matthew 24:15-16

Recommended Reading Daniel 9:24-27

Standing on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 24, Jesus delivered a great sermon on the signs of the times and the end of the age. He foretold the events leading to His return. He reached back to the writings of Daniel and spoke of the abominable image to be erected by the Antichrist in the future temple (Daniel 9:27). In doing so, Jesus stamped His seal of approval onto the pages of Daniel. Jesus spoke approvingly of Daniel; and Daniel, of course, spoke prophetically of Jesus.

Daniel is one of the Bible's most fascinating books. It contains vivid images like Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the vision of the four beasts, and the prophecy of the seventy weeks. It might seem overwhelming to read, but remember that Jesus was a student of this Book. He read it, studied it, and quoted it. These prophetic portions of Scripture provide vital information for understanding the times and anticipating the future. You can trust every word in the Book of Daniel and claim every promise.