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| Naked In The Garden - The Other Garden |
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Naked In The Garden - The Other Garden
The Garden I am speaking of in today's blog is not the Garden of Eden, yet it is the Garden of Gethsemane. There are some incredible nuggets of insight in the passages that describe the instance right before the crucifixion when Jesus went to pray. The way this incredible event is described in the book of John, to me only proves to exemplify the absolute and undeniable truth that Jesus is THE GREAT "I AM".
But as I was recently reading this occurrence in the book of Mark, something else jumped out at me that I have been pondering for a few days. What I read, and what I am attempting to further understand, and what I am blogging about here today is this: Who was the naked boy following Jesus and his disciples that day? Why was he there? Why was he mentioned? And why was he naked?
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.
With a little help from Sparkling Gems From The Greek, by Rick Renner, and a little research of my own, relating to the phrase "linen cloth", I discovered that this phrase was translated from the Greek word "sindon" and was only used 6 times in all the KJB. Out of those 6 references, 4 of them were speaking of the burial cloth that was wrapped around our Lord Jesus just before he was placed within His temporary tomb. The other 2 occur right here in these two verses of Mark.
Here are the Greek definitions of the word "sindon" that I was able to gather:
- linen cloth, esp. that which was fine and costly, in which the bodies of the dead were wrapped
- thing made of fine cloth
- of a light and loose garment worn at night over a naked body
So what then is this verse trying to tell us? If you happened to follow the link I posted above, or if you are familiar with John's recording of this event, the chief priests and Pharisees, along with a band of soldiers had come to arrest Jesus. When they found Him, Jesus walked right up to them and asked, "Whom do you seek?", and they answered, "Jesus of Nazareth". Then Jesus responded, "I AM". At this, they they all went backward and fell to the ground!
There was that much power in the words that He spoke. Not only did all these soldiers and religious leaders instantly fall to the ground, but some also believe that there was a cemetery not far from the Garden and at that very instance, the graves of some who were dead were also opened and this boy, this boy wrapped in burial cloth, had been raised from the dead!
That's not a far fetched explanation the way I see it. After all, this is exactly what happened immediately after Jesus cried and gave up His Spirit on the cross!
And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
So again, back to my question. What was the point of Mark including this naked boy into the story of Jesus' arrest? I believe, that just as John's version speaks of the soldiers being thrown to the ground because of those every powerful words of Jesus, "I AM", likewise Mark's occurrence gives us insight to that same power, only this time by means of an example of a "grave-clothed" young man who had been risen from the dead and was now following Jesus!
Jesus came to give life, Amen? He has risen me from the dead I can certainly tell you that. And since that risen day I have followed Him and will continue to follow Him throughout eternity, even if someone snatched my garment from me. In truth, I have already been stripped of those old grave clothes anyway and now am truly clothed in His righteousness which resides in me! So I can completely accept the idea that this boy had risen from his grave.
Jesus can raise you to a new life too my friend. If you do not know Him, I can assure you that one word from Him spoken straight to you heart will knock you off your feet and then raise you right back up again. He is the way, the truth, and the life!
In love,
Michael
Addition - 01/08/09
I understand that there are many different interpretations of these verses. A quick Google search alone will reveal a multitude of various opinions. Some say that this linen-clothed character was in fact Mark, the writer himself. Others say that this was possiblly Lazarus in accordance with Mark's Secret Gospel. Others still, offer no opinion whatsoever but fall back on the ever so popular, "We'll just have to ask when we get there". But based upon the Greek definition for "sindon", I find this to be a reasonably logical conclusion.
I will be searching for some more revelation in this area. If you have something you would like to add or information that goes to the contrary, please feel free to provide your opinion. |
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| To add a comment to "Naked In The Garden - The Other Garden" |
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| January 08, 2009 |
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I've always felt that he was like the Lord's guardian angel. For up until this time every attempt made by man or satan against Jesus had failed. But the time had come and the angel of the Lord was "stripped" of his power and authority to protect Jesus. The remaining hours of His life Jesus faced without divine intervention. No longer was He overshadowed by the presence of His Father or being watched over by angels. He lived out the remainder of His life with just faith.
.....peace..... |
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| January 08, 2009 |
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Wow, interesting thoughts. I had never even noticed the boy. I'll never read past it again without a thought.
Thanks. |
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| January 09, 2009 |
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| Really interesting insight...things to ponder on for sure... |
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| January 09, 2009 |
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Gordon: That's also a very logical conclusion. I really appreciate your perspective on this. Thank you!
Hi Neil: It wasn't until recently that I noticed this myself. It's just one of those verses we have a tendency to sweep right on by.
Hey Lori! - Thanks for your comment. I am really amazed at all of the websites that I found with discussions to these verses. Much to ponder indeed.
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| January 09, 2009 |
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This gives me something to think about, I am really interested in finding out more for myself! As some had mentioned, I had not notice this at all until now, W.O.W I have to say that again backwards, W.O.W. Thanks for pushing my spiritual level. Now let me find out more. God Bless Everyone! |
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| January 12, 2009 |
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| Well, whether the boy was raised from the dead or not, really doesn't make a difference to our walk, right? If it's so, I haven't had my eyes opened to that. I don't see it, but I'm not the Holy Ghost or a know all. lol But yes; nuggets for sure. Crunch, crunch, burp and amen. |
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| February 05, 2009 |
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| I was raised from the dead the other night..... |
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