Read: John 2:13–25
Making a whip of cords, Jesus drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. John 2:15
We might be inclined to call it holy anger, but it was anger to be sure. Jesus got furious. Jesus threw a fit. Jesus got a bit hostile. This act of aggression might not fit with our image of Jesus—and the God he called “Father”—as unwaveringly loving. However, to be a person of love, to love others as yourself, to have your character defined by love does not mean you can’t get upset. In fact, when you love deeply, and when that emotion is challenged or threatened, a fit of rage is often our most human response.
The fact that Jesus got up riled up indicates that for all His transcendent characteristics, He was still very much one of us. He lived where we live, He understood our struggles, and He was even vulnerable to the same emotions we wrestle with. Our Lord and Savior was one of us, and that is what makes Him so special. He was one of us, but He was not overcome by the things that tend to overwhelm us. Jesus might have gotten angry—perhaps He gets angry still—but His anger never overcomes His love for us.
How do you feel about Jesus’ angry outburst?
Lord God, how could You not get angry with us—with me? Sometimes, we get most upset with those we love…Why would the same not hold true for You? There must be days when You want to make another whip of cords and turn over tables and shout that the way we are living should not be so! It is tempting to be alarmed at such a response to our living…And yet, for us to be in full communion with one another, we must share all things together…our loves, our hurts, our angers, and our joys. Thank You for not standing at a distance from us but getting close enough to get riled up by our actions and our inaction. In Your name, I pray. AMEN.