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Can I Show Christ In My Anger?
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV).
We typically associate anger as a “bad thing.” We know that senseless, stupid anger and wrath are “works of the flesh.” We are drawn in to the TV news when they show clips of somebody expressing their anger, particularly if we have never seen the person express such an emotion. It generates a raw rubber necking response like an accident on the side of the road.
Anger is not necessarily a negative emotion but can be the appropriate, healthy, and even the Christian response. We can show Jesus and even model Him to others in our anger. Jesus certainly showed appropriate anger in response to various situations. Let’s take a look at a few of the times when Jesus got angry.
Christ got angry at the lack of true fruit of righteousness (Mark 11:12-14).
“Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’”
Jesus cursed the fig tree as a symbolic act, demonstrating the consequences of spiritual barrenness and the impending judgment on Israel for its lack of genuine faith and good works. The tree, which appeared to be fruitful with leaves, was actually barren, representing the religious leaders and the nation of Israel who outwardly showed their religion but inwardly lacked the true fruits of righteousness.
Christ got angry at unbelief (Mark 3:5).
“And he looked around them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart…”
Christ wanted to heal a man on the Sabbath. The religious leaders were adamantly opposed to Sabbath healings, deeming them “work.” Thankfully our emergency rooms and first responders work on the Sabbath today! The Work of our Lord continues today and is never ending.
Christ got angry at the merchandising of the Gospel (Matthew 21:13).
“It is written,” He said to them, ‘My House will be called a House of prayer, but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”
Nobody should pay a fee to enter the House of the Lord. The Pharisees, however, were marketing animals and doing dishonest money exchanges throughout the temple. Christ called them a “den of thieves” and started turning over their tables with a whip in hand! His anger was a righteous indignation. This House was His house and they dishonored Him and His House.
The Gospel is not intended to be sold. The price has already been paid.
Christ got angry at sickness (Mark 1:41).
“And becoming angry, He stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be made clean.”
Some translations use the term “compassion,” while others use “anger.” Why would Jesus be angry at leprosy? Leprosy was usually a terrible nine-year disease that gradually destroyed your entire body. This disease, as all others, was introduced by the serpent in Genesis 3.
The leper asked Jesus “Are you willing to make me whole?” Jesus’ anger was at the terrible effects of disease upon those He loved. He touched the man (making Himself ceremonially unclean) and said, “I am willing, be made clean.”
Faith for healing may begin when we get furious at the disease and the enemy who brought sin and sickness upon mankind.
Christ got angry at religious hypocrisy (Matthew 23).
“Woe to you…blind guides…blind fools…blind men…hypocrites…serpents…brood of vipers!”
The Lord was angry at Jewish leaders who harshly enforced rules on the Sabbath but showed no fruits of the Spirit. We were unable to keep the 613 laws of the Torah. Jesus gave us two laws: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39).
So, let’s go ahead and get angry at the injustice and cruelty in this fallen world! We just need to be sure we do not sin and give the enemy a foothold.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for giving us the emotion of anger. Help us to show this anger in ways that bring honor and glory to You and not in ways that lead to sin. We love you and need you and thank you for Your presence in our lives. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Certified Lay Minister and Men’s Ministry Specialist through Francis Asbury Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a Board Member for Gulf South Men, an Action Team member for The Kingdom Group, and a Board Member for the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus. Todd is a contributor to Project XII and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. He is a Past President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and remains active in this and many other local, regional, and international ministries. Additionally, he’s the author of the inspiring book “Fathering A Special Needs Child.” Todd also enjoys filling the pulpit to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Todd is the proud father of Emma and Kyle and resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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