And a young man was following Him, with a linen cloth thrown over his naked body, and the young men seized him.
The mention of this young man shows the panic and confusion of the night. He was following Christ, but when danger reached him, his following was also put to the test. Being wrapped in a linen cloth and suddenly being seized portrays the speed and disorder of the event. This small episode also emphasizes that at the hour of Christ’s arrest no one was able to stand firm by his own strength. Human courage is fragile when the threat of death draws near. Only Christ went forward steadfastly toward the cross.