Mark 14:52 But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked.

From whom does the young man escape?

“a crowd with swords and clubs, who were from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders” (Mark 14:43).

Who is the young man (ὁ νεανίσκος) who escapes?

The text does not identify the young man and the incident is not included in the other Gospels. Possibilities of the young man’s identity include John Mark, who may have written an anonymous cameo of himself into the record; or, the young man at the tomb (Mark 16:5); or, perhaps the young man who previously questioned Jesus and claimed to have kept the commandments from his youth (Mark 10:20). Since the text does not identify the young man, all suggestions are conjecture.

What is the significance of the linen sheet (σινδών)?

The text does not explain the significance of the linen sheet. But its mention draws attention to the linen (σινδών) used to wrap the body of Jesus when he is buried and placed in the tomb. After Jesus’ resurrection, when He is raised from death, only the linen wrappings remain in the tomb (cf. Luke 24:12).

Why is the young man wearing only a linen sheet?

Although entirely speculative, the young man may have dressed hurriedly or intentionally in preparation for Jesus’ foretold arrest and death. All the disciples had professed willingness to die with Jesus. “Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.’ All the disciples said the same thing too” (Matt 26:35). Mention of linen (σινδών) links the puzzling passage to the linen cloth in Jesus’ tomb.

 Father,

Glory and thanks to You for sending Jesus to provide the only way of escape from eternal condemnation and death. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. All who believe in Him will live even if he dies and everyone who lives and believes in Him will never die. Because He lives, we live. 
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.