Bible Figure
Naked fugitive
figure mentioned in the Gospel of Mark, after the arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane: “a certain young man followed [Jesus], wearing nothing but a linen cloth; and they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked” (Mk 14:51–52)
The naked fugitive is the unnamed young man in Mark 14:51-52 who followed Jesus after His arrest wearing only a linen cloth. When the arresting party seized him, he left the garment behind and fled naked. Mark gives no name or explanation of his identity.
Biography
Immediately after Jesus was arrested in Gethsemane and His disciples fled, Mark adds a brief incident found in no other Gospel. A young man followed Jesus wearing a linen cloth over his body. When those present seized him, he escaped by leaving the cloth in their hands and running away naked. The episode is striking but extremely brief. Scripture does not identify the young man as Mark, John, Lazarus, or any other known disciple, despite later suggestions. Nor does Mark explain why the detail is included. The safest treatment therefore preserves the anonymity intended by the text.
Biblical Significance
The young man's flight reinforces Mark's picture of the abandonment surrounding Jesus' arrest: even a follower who remained momentarily was stripped of his garment and fled. The incident underscores Jesus' isolation as He proceeds toward trial and crucifixion.