Jesus Got Angry….

Jesus got angry. We get angry. The difference is what we do with that anger. Do we continue down a path of sinful behavior? Or do we take it toward the opposite end of the spectrum as righteous indignation? When Jesus asked the Pharisees if it was right or wrong to heal or do good on the Sabbath, their response of silence angered Him. Why? Because it was their knowingly, stubborn way of agreeing with Him. It is right to do good. It is right to save life, no matter what day it is. Their silence actually screamed out their hatred of Him and “doing what is right”. Their rebellious nature, their prideful legalistic view, prevented them from being honest. Jesus took a legal issue (in their eyes), and turned it into a moral one. Their pride in their legalistic system overrode their ability to see the truth. Or better stated, they saw the truth, but refused to allow it to penetrate their hearts. If being “politically correct” angers you, good, it should. Legalism should never trump morality. If it angered Jesus, it should also anger those that follow Him. The one thing we must always be aware of is in this anger, we do not allow ourselves to sin. We must also designate if it’s righteous indignation or personal irritation. In these times we must stop ourselves, and ask God to intervene. When we stand up and oppose legalism with truth, people will listen. We must do it with gentleness and respect. That is a tough job. But that’s why we depend on Jesus to help us. In a world full of angry souls, we must learn the difference between what is right and wrong when it comes to dealing with anger. Jesus’ example is one we need to examine more closely, and pursue for His glory.

1 Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched Him closely. If He healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse Him of working on the Sabbath.3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” 4 Then He turned to His critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer Him.5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then He said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! 6 At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus. Mark 3:1-6