Jesus’ Anger

Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” – John 2:15–16

In any discussion among Christians on the subject of anger, this passage of Jesus turning over the money tables is usually brought up in defense of righteous anger. Jesus was cleansing the temple of the money changers—those who were using the temple to take advantage of worshipers by overcharging for the animals needed for sacrifices. The money changers were doing wrong, and Jesus was making it right.

Many things in life justify righteous anger, and we can use that passion and energy to make positive changes in the world. But if we aren’t clear on our motives, our justified anger against injustice and mistreatment can be misdirected and cause more problems than it solves. Even justified anger can create a lifetime of resentment and pain if we are unable to deal with it.

For instance, if we have experienced a terrible wrong or injustice, that trauma can create anger that goes undetected and can reverberate, causing extensive damage in our lives. Jesus came so that we can have life. When he was turning over the tables, he was correcting the wrong that was happening. Because he is Jesus, he makes the wrongs right.

When you have experienced a wrong that has buried a rage inside, allow Jesus to turn that over and make it right, in his way and in his time. Although the wrong cannot be undone, the Lord can redeem that experience for good.

If you recognize that the anger you carry is unresolved pain, surrender it to Jesus. Even if you aren’t ready to surrender it all, the simple acknowledgment that you have anger can begin to release the grip that it has on your life.

You cannot amputate your history from the fulfillment of your destiny. When I am in Jesus, my past is something he takes hold of and makes it into a destiny–that’s called redemption! – Beth Moore

Anger and bitterness–whatever the cause–only ends up hurting us. Turn that anger over to Christ. – Billy Graham

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord Jesus, you know the fury that is within me from the offense against me. I offer it to you for healing and redemption. Turn the wrong into something that brings glory to your name. I don’t want to carry it any longer. I trust you to make all things right in your time. Amen.

Taken from 100 Days to Freedom from Anger copyright © 2021 by Stephen Arterburn and Becky Brown. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.