When Jesus got angry...
We don’t initially think of Jesus as angry, do we? Loving, yes, angry not so much. But Jesus did get angry. For instance:
When he cleared the temple of the moneychangers and animal-sellers (Matthew 21:12-13), and
In the synagogue in Capernaum when the Pharisees refused to answer Jesus’ question (Mark 3:5)
Jesus did sometimes become angry - which in and of itself shows that anger is a God- given emotion, HOWEVER — it is what we do with that emotion that makes all the difference.
Ephesians 4:26 says clearly, “in your anger do not sin” and not to let the sun go down on our anger. Notice we are not told to avoid, or suppress or even ignore anger but we are told to deal with it properly and in a timely fashion.
So I know you want to know WWJD in times of anger. So here are a few things I have discovered:
His anger had the proper motivation. In other words, He was angry for the right reasons. Jesus’ anger did not arise from petty arguments or personal slights against Him. There was no selfishness involved.
His anger had the proper focus. He was not angry at God or at the “weaknesses” of others. His anger targeted sinful behaviour and true injustice.
His anger had the proper supplement. Mark 3:5 says that His anger was attended by grief over the Pharisees’ lack of faith. Jesus’ anger stemmed from love for the Pharisees and concern for their spiritual condition. It had nothing to do with hatred or ill will.
His anger had the proper control. Jesus was never out of control, even in His wrath. The temple leaders did not like His cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:47), but He had done nothing sinful. He controlled His emotions; His emotions did not control Him.
His anger had the proper duration. He did not allow His anger to turn into bitterness; He did not hold grudges. He dealt with each situation properly, and He handled anger in good time.
His anger had the proper result. Jesus’ anger had the inevitable consequence of godly action. Jesus’ anger, as with all His emotions, was held in check by the Word of God; thus, Jesus’ response was always to accomplish God’s will.
We’ve been feeling a lot of emotions these days, and let’s be honest some of us are feeling a little more angry than normal. It is okay to be angry but remember “in your anger do not sin.” It’s what we do with this God-given emotion that makes all the difference.