Holy Week: Friday Morning, when Jesus was betrayed and arrested.

A multitude came,

   lead by one called Judas,

“Hail, Rabbi!” he said, and

   then he kissed Him. (Matthew 26:49)

That’s how the day begins, before dawn when the mob shows up and Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. A couple of odd things happened:  1) Peter ends up slicing off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. Jesus heals his ear and tells Peter to put his sword away; and, 2) “A certain young man was following Jesus, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked” (Mk 14:51-52). Only Mark tells the story of the naked guy, why?

It’s such a human story. What is it doing here at such a horrid moment? The disciples have all fled, so when the young man attempts to follow Jesus, he is in danger of being dragged off by the mob. Due to his casual toga-like dress, he is able to free himself from the clutches of the mob; but at the expense of significant embarrassment. Maybe this “certain young man,” later, within the believing community, would retell his story with amazement, delight, and even laughter.

This morning I chuckled some as I read Mark’s story. I know it’s not the proper way to approach such a solemn day, but I wonder if God does not have a way of slipping in something humorous in the most serious situations. I have experienced such laughter during somber moments. I’m guessing you have too. It’s not a guffaw at the expense of another’s folly; but rather an authentic surprise chuckle at our own humanness. Maybe that’s God’s grace.