THE FIRST STREAKER

I'm certain that the idea of running naked has been done quite a number of times throughout history. The earliest report of this activity is based on a legend from the 11th century: Lady Godiva, an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman, rode naked on horseback through the streets of Coventry to protest her husband's strict taxation policies. This incident also spawned the term "peeping Tom" — so named for a town resident who disobeyed Lady Godiva's order that nobody watch her nude voyage. Tom, according to lore, was struck blind or dead for his indiscretion.   [https://theweek.com/articles/490290/streaking-timeline]

From my research, the term 'streaker' originated in March of 1974 when  a Washington, D.C., reporter tried to give a live description of a mass nude run at the University of Maryland. "They are streaking past me right now," the reporter said. "It's an incredible sight!" The phrase was picked up by the Associated Press the following day, and the rest is history.

Less than a month later, the University of Georgia organized the largest streaking event ever, with 1,543 students participating.  There were so many copycat events that year that Ray Stevens came out with a parody music video - 'The Streak' - that leaped to #1 on the charts!  

But actually, there was an earlier case that's a part of the record: 

George William Crump became the first American college student arrested for streaking. Crump was suspended for the term from his Virginia school, Washington College (now Washington and Lee), but went on to serve in Congress and as ambassador to Chile. With Robert E. Lee's blessing, this activity later became a rite of passage for Washington and Lee men. [Gasp!]

But for those of you - who like me - are in the midst of the remembrance of our Lord's arrest, trials, crucifixion, and burial, we are surprised to find the story of the first streaker!  Are you shocked?  Are you about to accuse me of sacrilege?  

Hold on! Don't judge me too quickly!  Let's look at the evidence.  We find it in our Bibles at Mark 14:43-52,   [All scripture quotes are from the NCV]

At once, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve apostles, came up. With him were many people carrying swords and clubs who had been sent from the leading priests, the teachers of the law, and the Jewish elders.

Judas had planned a signal for them, saying, “The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him and guard him while you lead him away.” So Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Teacher!” and kissed him. Then the people grabbed Jesus and arrested him. One of his followers standing nearby pulled out his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

Then Jesus said, “You came to get me with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal. Every day I was with you teaching in the Temple, and you did not arrest me there. But all these things have happened to make the Scriptures come true.” Then all of Jesus’ followers left him and ran away.

A young man, wearing only a linen cloth, was following Jesus, and the people also grabbed him. But the cloth he was wearing came off, and he ran away naked.

It was late at night - probably around midnight! Jesus led His eleven apostles to the Garden out of a great need to pray for strength before the unspeakable things that were about to occur. Most of us are aware of the disappointment when His apostles couldn't seem to stay awake.  

But all of the scriptures led us to believe that Jesus and the eleven were the only ones there!  What's this?  A young man had also accompanied them?  Who was this?  Did the apostles know he was there?  Did it take the light of the soldier's torches to expose him when the chaos broke out and even the apostles began to flee?  In their running away, did it fleece this young man out of hiding?

But somebody grabbed him by a piece of his clothing!  However, being young and terrified, he left his clothing in their hands as he ran off into the dark!

Aha! The mystery of the first streaker has been solved!

However, we're not done yet!

Some may be aware that it was common in that day for writers to refer to themselves without using their name. The most common incident of this is in the gospel of John. In John 21:20, it says, 

Peter turned and saw that the follower Jesus loved was walking behind them. (This was the follower who had leaned against Jesus at the supper and had said, 'Lord, who will turn against you?') [John 21:20]

Four verse later it says: 

That follower is the one who is telling these things and who has now written them down. [John 21:24]

John never mentions his own name, but consistently refers to himself as the 'follower Jesus loved'.  

It is thought that the writer of Mark did the same.  It is commonly believed that the Apostle Peter took on the training of a younger man as the apostles began to age, realizing that Jesus might not return during their lives.  A consensus agrees that this protege of Peter's recorded the gospel of Mark under the guidance of the great Apostle Peter!  This young man's name was John Mark - also the one who accompanied Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey [Acts13:5].

So, John Mark - while writing under the guidance of Peter - conceals his own identity in this somewhat embarrassing moment - by simply referring to himself as "A young man..." [Mark 14:51].  The gospel he wrote is known to us today by his name - Mark!

And now you know THE REST OF THE STORY!  

JESUS KNEW!

I stumbled across two verses this morning that really got me thinking. 

Our major celebration of the resurrection of Christ – the highest, holiest day of the year for His followers – is just a month away.

Some are aware of this upcoming observation; others are just happy that spring is knocking on our door. 

If traditions persist, then attendances on that Sunday will be strong.  Sanctuaries and worship centers will be filled with lilies and decorated with empty crosses and tombs. 

Meanwhile homes will be decorated with bunnies, fancy eggs, and an occasional cross, while our observations will bring families together for big meals. 

But today – following my normal schedule of Bible reading – I read the following words from John 13.  Keep in mind that these words were recorded by one of Jesus’ inner three!  It’s a POWERFUL CHAPTER that leads to several more that include Jesus’ deepest teaching before He went to the cross.

Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the very end….Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything and that he had come from God and was going back to God.  [13:1,3]

Debbie and I lived in northeastern China for three years, where we taught English at the Changchun University of Science and Technology.  We lived in a hotel that lodged all of the international students and teachers.  We walked to classes and entertained students regularly in our apartment.  Some students became more than just students!  They came to our apartment frequently bearing gifts and sharing meals.  We played games and talked endlessly.  The bonds of connection became very strong! 

And then, it was time to return to our American home.  It was hard leaving these friends and students.  It was hard saying goodbye to our hotel neighbors from so many nations!  As much as we were anxious to come home to family, we also experienced tremendous sorrow at leaving our nest in Changchun. 

Five girls that had become quite close followed us to the airport and waved to us constantly as we prepared to depart.  At one point, we were confronted with a problem getting through security.  The girls recognized that we were having a problem.  Daphne immediately pushed through the crowd to get to us!  She intervened with the officials and soon, after another brief hug, we were out of their sight! 

I struggled for several months readjusting to American culture upon our return in late July.  The struggle was only magnified in October by the death of our son, Travis.

Leaving the familiar is hard!  The ending of relationships affects us deeply! 

Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father.

But it’s important for us to recognize that Jesus knew a great deal more than this!  He also knew HOW He was going to leave this world!  He knew there was a cross in His future!  He knew that mockery and beatings awaited Him!  He knew that His followers would run into the darkness abandoning Him to the Temple guards.  He knew He would be publicly humiliated!

Yet, He had so much yet to teach His followers!  Some of His most important lessons had yet to be delivered.  He had to strengthen them and prepare Himself for what was about to happen later this very evening! 

So – knowing full well that His time was drawing to an end – Taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the follower’s feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [vs.4-5]

And, of course, you know the rest of the story…

EVERY SINGLE WORD IS INSPIRED!

I attended two seminaries.  First, Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.  This was the eastern school of choice for Free Methodist students during my time.  We lived in this community for three years and I acquired sixty credit hours (of ninety) toward a Master of Divinity degree.  This was sufficient credit (at that time) for me to be fully ordained in the Free Methodist Church. 

Within three years, I realized my error in judgment and was accepted at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary where I would complete my degree – although they required 106 credit hours and granted me thirty from ATS.  It was a liberal, Presbyterian school where the theology department was dominated by feminist theology, process theology, liberation theology and Calvinistic theology. 

I learned much at both schools and found certain professors who made an indelible imprint on my life.  One from ATS was Dr. Robert Traina.  He believed in the divine inspiration of the Bible!  He believed and emphasized that if it was divinely inspired, then every word was inspired by the Holy Spirit through the human recipients!!!!

This perspective emphasized the importance of pastors to be trained in the original languages:  Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.  How else can one fully grasp the meaning of the original writings.  I remember studying my flash cards while sitting in traffic on Greentree Hill four days a week!  That traffic enabled me to get A’s in Hebrew and Aramiac!  J

I frequently think about Dr. Traina’s contention! 

Like today.  I was reading the latter verses of Mark 15  [NASB}.  I came across the following and stopped in absolute wonder!

v. 37   And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last.

v. 38  And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Why was this included in the text?
Why in this exact location?
Why did the Holy Spirit want us to have this information?
Was this the result of an earthquake?
Or was something more powerful happening?
Did SOMEONE rip the veil?
If so, WHO?
WHY?
What did this mean?
Why did the Holy Spirit want us to know that it was a thorough tearing – torn in two from top to bottom?

When I was at my first full-time church, the ministerial association broke up the passage for each of us to handle a section at the Good Friday service.  One of our group was a very liberal Lutheran pastor who had irritated me at times with his ideas and attitude.  So, I played the devil’s advocate [pardon me in my youth and zeal, please], and approached him about my passage.

I showed him verse 38, indicating that it was part of my section.  I asked, “I’m in my first appointment and fresh out of seminary.  Could I ask what you make of this verse?”  His response was terse and without passion:  “I don’t make anything of it!  I don’t think it has any meaning for us at all?” 

Dr. Traina and I would differ! 

In the Jewish temple, the veil served as the barrier to the Holy of Holies.  The Holy of Holies was said to be where God’s presence rested and it housed the Ark of the Covenant.  Only the high priest could enter this area, and then only one time per year, to make atonement for the sins of Israel [Exodus 30:10].

I Kings 6:2 records that Solomon’s temple was 45 feet tall.  The first century Jewish historian, Josephus, records that Herod extended the temple’s height to about 60 feet tall.  He also records that the veil was four inches thick.

Notice the details:

• Jesus died.
• The enormous 45 to 60-foot high, four inch thick curtain was torn in half.
• The tear was from top to bottom clearly indicating the destruction was not man-made, but came from God.

This connection between the death of Jesus and the torn veil is not just about God’s power, but is demonstrative of who Jesus is, what the cross accomplished, and the access we have to God through Christ. 

Hebrews 8:1-2 [NASB] notes, “Now the main point in what has been said is this:  we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." 

Jesus Himself now serves as our high priest!  There is no longer a need for a Jewish high priest to stand before the Lord and make atonement for our sins.  Jesus has provided for our atonement through His death on the cross!      [Some copied from compellingtruth.org]

This Jesus is always available to you!  Thick clouds can’t interfere with your connection to Him!  He never sleeps!  He has no difficulty hearing even your faintest whisper.  He, Himself, hears your very words and thoughts and responds with compassion and forgiveness!  24/7/365!  From anywhere in His universe! 

That’s what these fourteen words imply! 

Mark 15:38  [NASB]  And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

A MAN NAMED JESUS!

There was always great joy in Judea when a son was born!  This was a blessing for any poor farm family for it meant another worker would be available to help with the cultivating, planting, and harvesting. 

When this beautiful baby boy was born, he brought great joy and expectation to his parents:  Eitan [meaning ‘one who is steady and very bold’] and Noam [meaning ‘loveliness or satisfaction’].  They deliberated about their new son’s name and wanted to give him one that would set him apart from all other Jewish boys.  They considered Moses – the great law-giver.  They also thought of David – the great king!  But the proud father won out and convinced his dear wife to name the baby Jesus.  It was the contemporary name for Joshua, the one who was mentored by Moses and then led the people of Israel into the Promised Land!  His name meant ‘savior’. 

Yes, this family had great expectations for their son!  They would name him ‘Jesus’ – savior!  They wrapped him tightly in cloths and held him close – only after checking him from head to foot and seeing that he was perfect in every way!  He would be a fine son!  Father and mother loved their son and cared for him attentively during the troubled times of Roman occupation.  They wanted their son to revere God, be kind and treat all people fairly.

But all plans, dreams and expectations are not fulfilled.

When Jesus was a young boy, tensions associated with Roman rule erupted into many violent conflicts across Israel.  A tax census placed upon the people by Quirinius triggered an uprising by Judas the Galilean and many died as the Romans responded with fierce and relentless force to quell the disturbance. 

Jesus’ father, Eitan, was caught in the conflict while on a trip to town for supplies and was killed.  He lay in the street as his blood mingled with the sandy soil of his homeland.  When news was brought to Noam, she was crushed that her love had been so abruptly taken from her.  Jesus, being only six, couldn’t understand why his father wouldn’t be coming home.  The house was filled with his mother’s anguish and tears. 

Life was hard for the mother and son!  Jesus was too young, too weak and unskilled to be able to fill the shoes of his father.  They were forced to be dependent on his mother’s larger family system to be able to survive.  This precious little boy, who had been the treasure of his father’s eye, was left alone with a mother who struggled for their very survival.  As he began to realize that his father would never be coming home, Jesus turned to anger and bitterness instead of despair. 

The father who had thrown him into the air and caught him with delight,
the father who tickled him until he was weary from laughing,
the father who held him and told him stories of his own childhood,
HE WAS GONE FOREVER!

And Jesus grew up hating the Roman soldiers for what they had done to his father!

His mother tried to steer him toward acceptance and forgiveness, but Jesus’ determination was set.  He would rebel against Roman oppression!  He would get even with those who had so brutally taken his father away.  When the time was right, he would even the score.

Noam lamented the dark moods of her son.  She tried her best to redirect his thinking and help him find a purposeful life, but the roots of Jesus’ hatred ran deep!  His hurt was inconsolable!  He was bent on revenge!

As time passed, they managed to survive with the help of family and friends.  Noam developed skills at making pottery and sold it at their village market.  Through the gracious help of her sister, Shira [meaning ‘song’], and Shira’s husband, they were able to get by.  Jesus was able to attend the village school and grow up among cousins and friends.  But, his anger was noticeable and his best friends were few – and also rebellious.

As he progressed in age, Jesus eventually left home and made his way to Jerusalem.  He wanted to find a way to hurt the Romans and they were more numerous in this center-city of the nation.  His companions shared his hatred and they schemed to create chaos in the city through subversion and disrespect.  One day, their efforts were rewarded as they set a trap for a small band of Roman soldiers.  Chaos erupted and a man was killed in the confusion.  Jesus was quickly captured and imprisoned.  After having been beaten, he lay for days tending his wounds as best he could. 

Then, to his surprise, he was suddenly led from his prison to the Praetorium, where he was placed on a platform along with – to his immense surprise – Pilate, the Roman governor!  What was going on?  Why had he been brought here?  What was going to happen to him?

It was then that he noticed another man, also standing between two Roman soldiers.  He quickly discovered that this man was also named Jesus.  He’d heard of this man!  He was a good man, a rabbi, who had healed many and fed multitudes.  He had often thought about searching him out to hear what he had to say, but it had never happened – until today. 

He could see that Jesus of Nazareth had been severely beaten.  His face was distorted and his eyes nearly swollen closed.  The soldiers had draped a purple cloth around his shoulders and had crushed a crown of thorns on his head.  Jesus thought of his own father and the blood that his mother had cleaned from his body before they buried him.  He felt sorry for Jesus of Nazareth and wanted to reach out to him and help him.  But he, too, was a prisoner;  a prisoner who was trying his best to figure out why he had been brought to this place.

Suddenly, Pilate stepped forward and called to the large crowd that had gathered:  “You know it is our custom to release a prisoner today in honor of your feast.  Which would you have me release today:  Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus, the King of the Jews?" 

Jesus Barrabas [bar = son, abba = father - therefore, “son of the father”] was shocked to hear his name being called out in unison by the mob.  Pilate seemed angry with the response of the people.  He called for a basin, washed his hands publicly, then said, “I’m washing my hands of responsibility for this man’s death. From now on, it’s in your hands. You’re judge and jury.”

After those words fell from Pilate’s lips, the soldiers released Barabbas and took Jesus of Nazareth away to be crucified. 

The precious “son of his father” was released, while the “Son of God the Father” was paraded away to become the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the whole world! 

This Jesus of Nazareth, this Son of Man and Son of God, died in our place just the same as He died in Barabbas’ place! 

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE AS A RESULT OF BEING SET FREE?

A TRIP TO THE CITY

 I'd like to tell you a little Good Friday story.  Part of it comes from my imagination, but part of it is factual - based on the Gospel of Mark, chapter 15.

Alexander (lets call him Alex) and his brother, Rufus, loved their father very much.  He was a very strong man who was capable of much hard work.  Once in a while, he hoisted them onto his shoulders and carried them around.  He never seemed to grow tired.  They were proud of their father.  He stood out in a crowd because he was a big man and also taller than most.  His very size seemed to command respect.  But inside, he was a gentle man and would never knowingly hurt anyone.  

He had to occasionally go to Jerusalem for supplies and would usually take his boys with him.  They loved these trips.  When they would come to the crowded marketplaces, he would hold each of them by their hands to keep them from getting separated and lost.  Their smaller hands got lost in his big, rough hands.  He worked in the fields and with the animals, so his hands had become calloused and brown from the sun.  He was not a famous man, but he was respected because he was honest, fair and a hard worker.  But most important, he loved their mother!  This fact gave the boys a wonderful sense of security.  They had good parents, and they knew it.  

Alex was a year older than his brother, Rufus, but age didn't really matter to them.  They played together every day and also had a few other friends on the farm where their father worked.  They played with a home-made ball that they kicked and threw around.  They climbed olive trees and hid from their father.  When he would walk below them, they would jump out and try to scare him.  He would catch them and rub their heads with his knuckles and then tickle them until they couldn't stand it any longer.    He occasionally would tickle their Mom too, but she didn't think it was funny and would pretend to get angry with him.  They would all end up laughing together...

Theirs was a poor but happy home.  Their father often told them, "All you need to be happy is the love of a family, enough food for the day and a safe, soft place to sleep."  They knew he was right and they never longed for things or for wealth.  Most of the time, their mother put them to bed at night, but once in a while their father would settle them down.  They would beg him for a story, and he would sometimes tell them about his own growing up years.  But then, he would wrap each of them up tightly in their blanket so that they could hardly move.  Then, he would kiss them on the forehead and pray over them.  When leaving their sides, he would stop in the dim light and say, "You boys must love God first, always bless your family and be kind even to strangers.  This will please God and you will live a long life!"  

One morning the boys had finished their breakfast and were wondering what to do when their father asked if they wanted to go to Jerusalem with him.  They burst to his side and off they went.  It was a long walk and their father always carried a sack with bread and grape juice.  Going to Jerusalem was all up hill, so it was a little hard-going.  The trip back was always more enjoyable.  

When they approached the marketplace, the crowd began to grow thicker, so their father took each boy by the hand to keep them together and safe.  Soon the crowd became so thick that they could hardly get through.  Their father was curious and pressed to the front to see what was going on.  This public road with merchants and vendors was always busy, but today the crowd was exceptional.  Soon, Roman soldiers stopped them from going any further.  As they looked up-and-down 'the way of suffering' they saw something that immediately shocked them all.

A man - nearly naked - was dragging a heavy cross-bar through the streets.  The soldiers were mocking Him and beating Him and spitting on Him.  He was clearly exhausted and had been beaten with a whip until His back was totally scarred and bloody.  He wore a crown of thorns that had been pressed cruelly on His head.  Many of the crowd were weeping at the sight of this man.  Others were jeering and seemed to be thrilled at this horrible sight.  Then they heard that His name was Jesus!  

They said to their father, "Dad, it's Jesus!"  They began to cry as they remembered the day He had pulled them up onto his lap and laid His hands on their heads.  "Why are they being so mean to Jesus?" the boys asked their father.  "I don't know, boys, but we must pray for Him."  They peeked between Roman soldiers as Jesus grew closer until He finally collapsed right in front of them.  The soldiers whipped Him in an attempt to get Him back on His feet, but He just laid in  the street.  

When the soldiers realized that Jesus couldn't carry His cross any farther, they began to look around.  One of them spied Simon - the boy's father.  He stood out from the crowd because of his size and height.  That soldier roughly called to their Dad, "Pick up His cross and carry it!"  Without a second thought, Simon turned to the boys and told them to keep him in sight.  Then, he stepped into the street and picked up the heavy cross-bar.  While lifting it to his shoulders, he reached down again and helped Jesus to His feet.  Together, Simon and Jesus followed the cruel soldiers out of the city and up to 'the place of the skull'.  

Once there, Simon was relieved of his responsibility and was able to rejoin his boys.  He took them by their hands and led them away.  From a distance, they sat and watched the grisly scene develop.  Finally, Simon took the boys away and they headed toward home.  The walk was quiet as they felt the sadness of what was happening to Jesus.  They had made a trip to see Him a year ago and heard Him teach.  That was the day that Jesus had called the children to come to Him so He could bless them.  Alex and Rufus had slipped from their mother's hand and had run to Jesus.  His tenderness was a moment they would never forget.  Their parents had been moved by His teaching.  

"Why were they being so mean to Jesus?" the boys asked their father.   "I don't know, boys," their father answered.  Then he said, "Jesus is a good man and a great teacher.  He has healed many who were sick and some say that He even raised some people from the dead.  He has performed miracles that are talked about all throughout Judea."  Just as he said this, the sun was quickly hidden from them and a night-like darkness fell over all the land - even though it was mid-day.  The boys were frightened.  Then the earth began to shake and they scrambled for high ground as they made their way home.  If the boys hadn't been with their father, they would have been terrified, but they knew that he would keep them safe.  

After three hours the darkness lifted and it was daylight again.  About then, they reached home and told their mother about everything they had seen that day in Jerusalem.  It was a day they'd never forget.  It was the day their Dad carried Jesus' cross!