The Righteous Anger of Jesus
Godly anger is holy discontent. It turns people into Popeye, the cartoon sailor man who in every TV episode intervenes with godly anger. Popeye fights against evil and shouts with endearing resolve, “That’s all I can stands; I can’t stands no more!” Godly anger is heroic. It subverts the power of evil by championing the truth.
-Sarah Sumner
A HEALTHY righteous anger is a divine gift that strengthens us to stand bravely against evil. The Bible allows us to express anger without sinning (Eph. 4:26). Many believers have negated and suppressed their anger to passive subservient acceptance of the evil around them. Others cannot control their anger, and have lost their testimony to misdirected bad temper. We need a Jesus-centered balanced approach to channel our anger in a positive way.
The world is full of the wrong kind of anger. Verbal aggression with derogatory and hurtful words has ruined many lives. Domestic violence, assault and frequent outbursts of anger overturns the home intended as a place of safety into a domestic battlefield. Most people have an adverse negative response towards any form of anger. When someone raises his or her voice, we immediately begin to defend ourselves or crawl into our shell. Justifiably so, because the word’s steam pot of rage continues to boil over, as we read more and more of violent crime, road rage, passion murder and abuse against children.
The church’s response to the anger epidemic is mostly an unrealistic disregard for anger. Most Christians try to contain, reason away, or deny their anger with just such devastating results.
We only see and acknowledge God’s love, kindness, goodness, benevolence, mercy, and grace, and we tend to forget his righteous vengeance and wrath! Read the following scriptures carefully from both the NT and OT.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” (Rom. 1:18, NKJV)
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Eph. 5:6, NKJV)
“Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,” (Col. 3:6, NKJV)
“God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies; The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.” (Nah. 1:2–3, NKJV)
“That day is a day of wrath, A day of trouble and distress, A day of devastation and desolation, A day of darkness and gloominess,A day of clouds and thick darkness,” (Zeph. 1:15, NKJV)
“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb. 10:31, NKJV)
“Behold, the day of the Lord comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it.” (Isa. 13:9, NKJV)
“I will execute great vengeance on them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I lay My vengeance upon them.” (Ezek. 25:17, NKJV)
“Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” (Rev. 19:15, NKJV)
Righteous, Divine Anger
“Your anger reveals your passions. Show me what makes you angry, and I’ll show you what you truly care about.”
Jesus shows us that there is a place for righteous divine anger. We know that He never sinned, yet He became angry. Jesus shows His love for the Father and His Father’s house by chasing out all the money changers with a whip.
“Then to those who sold the doves He said, Take these things away (out of here)! Make not My Father’s house a house of merchandise (a marketplace, a sales shop)! And His disciples remembered that it is written [in the Holy Scriptures], Zeal (the fervor of love) for Your house will eat Me up. [I will be consumed with jealousy for the honor of Your house.]” (John 2:16-17, Amp)
Psychologically, anger can be seen as a guardian of love. When we love someone or something, we want to protect it. Anger often arises when there is a perceived threat to the object of our love. This protective anger can drive us to take action to safeguard our loved ones or our values. When I defend my wife and step in for her, is it not proof of my love? True love is not lame, is it?
Surely Peter did not feel loved when Jesus rebuked him.
“But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matt. 16:23)
Yet Jesus’ stern admonition is not rejection, for just a few days later, Peter accompanies Jesus to the transfiguration on the mountain reserved for the ones closest to Him (Matt. 17:1-5). The Bible reiterates that God chastises whom He loves (Prov. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:5-6; Rev. 3:19; Job 5:17; Deut. 8:5; Ps. 94:12; 1 Cor. 11:32).
Only parents will understand that effective education cannot occur without consistent, serious admonition and visible disapproval of an act that could harm the child. On the other hand, Jesus would not be known as a moody, angry man. He shows compassion and empathy with the weak and outcasts. Yet He does not turn a blind eye to the so-called religious leaders of his day, openly addressing their abusive double standards and falsehood.
Jesus’ anger is based on and born out of true love and not out of selfish or egoistical power-seeking. It is more crucial than ever to understand Jesus’ righteous anger and learn to apply it wisely in our lives. For a world without righteous anger becomes a world without rules. Everything becomes permissible. It is believed that evil, lies and corruption must be accepted in silence. Jesus’ love was not passive. On the contrary, His anger is commendable and necessary. It proves how serious He is about our safety and healthy survival.
“Shouting Preachers”
We often find ourselves stuck with preachers who shout from beginning to end. This constant yelling can be confusing. Think about it: who else yells at us to make a point? A parent who’s losing patience? A manipulative boss? Growing up in a household filled with aggression and constant shouting can make us tune out because it creates anxiety. Similarly, when preachers scream, it can confuse people about God’s attitude toward them.
Many people sit in churches worldwide and accept that the pastor speaks on behalf of God. Is God then angry at us? What we communicate is just as important as how we communicate. Jesus often sat and taught the people (Matt. 5: 1; Luke 4:20; Luke 5: 3; John 8: 2). One cannot likely sit and shout and scream at people.
Volume and fervour affect emotions, and people make emotional decisions, but it is not always genuine. “If you force someone to conform outwardly but fail to change their inner attitude, you have accomplished nothing.” John Maxwell
“What Satan fears more than your shouts is your obedience to Jesus.”
You do not preach people right with God by yelling at them. The bottom line is: are people changing? Preaching guilt every week does not make the congregants more holy, just feel more guilt. Jesus never raised His voice or shouted in His preaching (Matt. 12:15-21).
Jesus understood precisely when anger would have the greatest impact. Anger was just one of the tools in His toolbox to guide us toward the truth. He wasn’t always angry; He used it wisely and sparingly. Even a child can tell you that the anger of a gentle, loving parent in the face of wrongdoing or injustice is powerful and life-changing. You do not use the hammer to hit everything into place, sometimes you need to use a chisel for precision or a gentle touch to guide things into alignment.
True Righteous, Divine Anger is Like Salt
When you put salt on a wound, it stings initially, but then it starts to heal. Salt preserves and acts as an antidote to inner corruption and pride. Sometimes we get so caught up in our self-righteousness and excuses that a divine admonition or rebuke jolts us awake, returning us to the fear of the Lord. This kind of righteous anger is grounded in undeniable truth that cannot be ignored. However, as too much salt can be unbearable, raising blood pressure and making things indigestible, a little salt brings out the flavour.
Correct Admonition
Millions of people suffer from injustice, evil, and destructive sin, yet many have never learned how to express healthy anger or stand up against wrongdoing. False humility often implies that we should quietly accept everything without protest. However, scientific research and Jesus Christ’s teachings demonstrate that expressing anger in a healthy way and standing up for what is right is essential for personal well-being and social justice.
In many of his talks, Jordan Peterson discusses challenges faced by individuals who score high in Agreeableness, Compassion, and Politeness when it comes to standing up for themselves or confronting others. He explains that people with these traits often struggle with assertiveness because they are naturally inclined to avoid conflict and prioritize the needs and feelings of others over their own. This can lead to resentment when their needs are unmet, as they may feel unable to express their true feelings or set boundaries.
Peterson advises that highly agreeable individuals must actively work on developing assertiveness. This includes learning to negotiate and handle conflicts directly, which, although uncomfortable, is crucial for long-term well-being and healthy relationships. Avoiding confrontation might seem easier in the short term, but it often leads to greater problems down the line, including strained relationships and personal dissatisfaction. For highly agreeable people, the challenge is balancing their natural empathy with the courage to assert their own needs, which is essential for personal growth and maintaining genuine, healthy relationships.
“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3)
Most people overlook the word rebuke in the verse and even think it must not be there. They cannot think of themselves rebuking someone. The word “rebuke” here is akin to a student respectfully pointing out an error to a teacher or principal—done with respect, with facts straight, and without becoming personal or demeaning.
In today’s increasingly complex and interconnected world, managing conflict and engaging in constructive debate is more essential than ever. Perhaps it’s time to consider making conflict management and debate mandatory in schools. These skills are not just useful, but foundational for fostering critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and effective communication—traits crucial for personal and professional success.
- Debate as a Tool for Critical Analysis: Debate teaches students to think critically about issues, assess various perspectives, and develop well-reasoned arguments. This skill is vital in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, and individuals must sift through vast amounts of information to form educated opinions (Van Eemeren & Grootendorst, 2004).
- Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving: Conflict management involves identifying the root causes of disagreements and finding solutions that satisfy all parties involved. This skill helps students approach problems methodically, considering the needs and perspectives of others while working toward mutually beneficial outcomes (Deutsch, Coleman, & Marcus, 2011).
- Developing Self-Awareness and Empathy: Through conflict management training, students learn to understand their emotions and those of others. This awareness fosters empathy, enabling them to navigate conflicts with compassion and consideration rather than resorting to aggression or withdrawal (Goleman, 1995).
- Reducing Bullying and Aggression: Schools can reduce bullying and aggression by teaching students how to handle conflicts constructively. When students know how to assertively communicate their boundaries and resolve disputes peacefully, the school environment becomes more respectful and inclusive (Olweus, 1993).
- Building Resilience and Adaptability: Life is full of conflicts, whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or society. By learning conflict management and debate in school, students are better equipped to handle these challenges with resilience and adaptability rather than being overwhelmed or avoiding them (Duckworth, 2016).
- Promoting Civic Engagement: Debate fosters a deeper understanding of democratic principles and civic responsibility. Students who engage in debate are more likely to become informed and active citizens who contribute thoughtfully to societal discourse and decision-making processes (Schneiderhan, 2016).
- Enhancing Verbal and Nonverbal Communication: Debate and conflict resolution require clear, concise communication. Students learn to articulate their thoughts effectively and listen actively to others, which are key skills in personal and professional interactions (Tannen, 1998).
- Navigating Complex Interpersonal Dynamics: Conflict management teaches students how to navigate the complexities of human relationships, including power dynamics, cultural differences, and varying communication styles. This prepares them to work collaboratively in diverse teams and settings (Thomas & Kilmann, 1974).
Forgiveness in Conflict
Divine anger is always paired with forgiveness, creating a balance that removes the poison from anger while still holding people accountable for their actions. Jesus exemplified this on the cross when He forgave His murderers, asking the Father to forgive them because they didn’t know what they were doing (Luke 23:34). Yet, even with forgiveness, accountability remains; each person will answer for their actions. Forgiveness, however, releases us from the suffocating grip of offence, bitterness and resentment, leaving judgment in God’s hands.
True forgiveness empowers us to confront wrongdoing without being trapped in a victim mentality. This is what Jesus’ righteous anger does for us—it empowers us to confront injustice, just as He did when He cleansed the temple of those exploiting the faithful. His anger wasn’t about revenge or retaliation; it was about restoring righteousness.
“The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.” (Prov. 19:11)
“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” (2 Tim. 2: 24-26)
Anger, like gunpowder, has the potential for both destruction and purpose. A remote explosion of gunpowder is harmless, but compressed within a bullet, it can be deadly. Yet Jesus’ anger is not destructive; it brings life (John 10:10).
Forgiveness removes the venom from our anger, so we can fairly and in righteousness deal with the offender or wrongdoer.
Do not moralize Anger
I recall a farmer whose land had been devastated by fires two years in a row. As a result, his temper grew short, and his wife asked us to visit him. On the way, the Holy Spirit instructed me not to moralize his anger, for it was this anger that had kept him going. Anger is energy—often a response to profound feelings of powerlessness. We must learn to distinguish between divine, healthy anger and destructive anger, using the former as a force for good.
Seven Manifestations of Sinful Anger
The Bible clearly shows when anger is destructive and ultimately self-destructive:
1. Unresolved Anger:
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Eph. 4:26)
Address injustice promptly and help the person recognize and confess their error (Luke 17:1-5). When we dwell on a grievance, we often create an illegitimate “court case” in our minds, acting as both prosecutor and judge. Instead, it’s better to discuss the matter factually and learn to calmly address a specific act of wrongdoing. When we resolve to not engage with the offender, we tend to judge the whole person as sinful and wrong. The only judgement allowed, according to the Bible, is confrontation. Unresolved anger can give the devil a foothold, turning us into puppets in his hands. Sinful anger is corrosive like acid, righteous anger is cleansing like soap. We must be vigilant to ensure our anger doesn’t turn bitter within us.
2. Unfair and Demeaning language:
“But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” (Matt. 5:22)
Some commentators conclude that all anger is wrong and that we should simply never get angry with our siblings. But Paul quotes David in Ephesians 4:26 where he says:
“Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” (Ps. 4:5)
So you can get angry, but you just must not sin. The sin that Jesus clearly points out here is: To be angry with someone for no good reason. You are therefore angry without the matter being discussed and the guilty party being lawfully convicted.
When you label someone and belittle the person, using derogative words and swearing, you have already lost the argument. No one is listening. The word, raka, can also be translated as worthless, idiot, useless. This wording is in direct opposition to: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Gen. 1:27). Every human being should be treated with dignity, even the appalling sinner.
3. You take offence:
“…but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?” (Gen. 4:5-6)
Cain’s murder is the first transgression of one man against another. He felt wronged by God, but took it out on his brother. After all, God did not accept his sacrifice, but preferred Abel’s sacrifice. His case was then against God, wasn’t it?
When someone exposes what we try to hide, it’s easy to take offence. We become trapped like birds in a snare, unable to free ourselves. Learning not to take offence is crucial for our spiritual well-being.
“A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Prov. 18:19)
Offence can easily be seen in someone’s face, you cannot hide it. Cain’s countenance fell. Offence is misdirected and unresolved anger, which festers in the heart leading to murder.
4. You’re Impulsive:
“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” (Eccl. 7:9)
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (Jas. 1:19-20)
The problem with a quick temper is that, like the fictional character Judge Dread, you just want to settle a case before you have gathered all the facts. You also want to carry out the punishment yourself. This is unreasonable and unfair. Would you be happy with the same treatment?
Rather, investigate a case by first getting all the first-hand evidence, and then you can decide a case. Many people excuse themselves and claim they cannot control their anger. This is simply not true because if the phone were to ring at that moment, you would find it within yourself to answer in a controlled manner. However, you do not want to control your anger. You chose anger for yourself – no one can make you do anything. Anger works for some people, they believe it is the only way to get results. This is evil personified!
5. God’s Image is Dishonoured:
“An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression.” (Prov. 29:22)
Anger is energy, and some people enjoy the fear that their angry mood inspires. The problem is, you become a very lonely figure and will eventually have no real friendships left. Anger could become such a part of your character that this is all that people will remember about you. It is a terrible violation of God’s purpose of creation with your life, because we were all created for the purpose of being like Jesus (Rom. 8:29).
6. When Truth is Diverted:
“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1 Tim. 2:8)
“…he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.” (1 Tim. 6:4-5)
Some people always find something to argue about. They want to disagree on everything and just hear their own opinion. Jesus is the truth and perfect in everything He does and says. He did not need to get involved in argumentative rivalries.
“He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.” (Matt. 12:19)
Bible gives the origin source and true reason for strife: hatred and lovelessness (Prov. 10:12), and self-exaltation (Prov. 13:10).
7. When it is the precursor to physical violence and assault:
The obvious signs of sudden anger are usually a red face, swollen necks, clenched fists and a stutter. The angry person’s vision can become blurred, because anger has a negative effect on the part of the brain that deals with sight.
Dr. Walter Cannon, a researcher in psychosomatic medicine at Harvard University, describes it very clearly:
“Respiration deepens; the heart beats more rapidly; the arterial pressure rises; the blood is shifted from the stomach and intestines to the heart, central nervous system, and the muscles; the processes of the alimentary canal cease; sugar is freed from the reserves in the liver; the spleen contracts and discharges its contents of concentrated corpuscles, and adrenalin is secreted.” – James C. Hefley
The reality is: People cannot always think straight and be rational when they are angry.
What Angered Jesus?
The word “rebuke” occurs 29 times in the NT. Other translations of the word are “reproach, reproof, barr, censure, command, scold, criticise, tell-off”. In English, the word literally means “straightly charge”, “slap on the wrist” or “beat back”. It is clear to see the healthy anger behind this action is focused on what sinful wrongs.
We usually have only an impression of Jesus’ meekness. We do not want to see or receive this harder side of Jesus. After all, it was the strict but fair teachers who had the greatest impact in our lives. Parenting is not just about providing a child with food and clothing – it primarily involves discipline. Jesus reveals the heart of the Father by wanting to see us grow into maturity in our purpose of creation.
Jesus casts out the demons with a firm command
“And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.” (Matt. 17:18. See also: Mark 1:25; 9:25; Luke 4:35, 41; 9:42)
Jesus’ displeasure and firm conduct toward demons also show His authority over them. He does not enter into conversation with them. He rebukes them with the contempt they deserve. This moral authority that Jesus exercises lies at the heart of our own victory over evil.
We cannot feed the evil spirits under the table, but above the table we want to rebuke them. In the spirit world, this falsehood is very quickly exposed, as happened to the sons of Sceva. (Acts 19: 13-17)
The demons know the truth “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (Jas. 2:19).
What is the truth behind your anger’s energy? Some people get angry because their honor has been hurt. This anger brings destruction because it is empty and selfish. Behind Jesus’ anger is a plumbline of living right, thinking right, and speaking right. This power of persuasion is the key to Jesus’ ministry. That’s why people were often amazed at His words.
Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:35-41)
The disciples are indignant, crying out, “Don’t you care that we are perishing?” (v. 38). Yet, nature’s fury subsides in an instant before His authority. You can sense the frustration in Jesus’ response: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (v. 40). Despite all He had taught and shown them, they remained full of unbelief. Jesus’ righteous anger exposes the flaws in their indignation. Their faith was still passive, expecting Him to do all the work rather than grasping God’s will in faith and living it out themselves.
Jesus rebukes the “sons of thunder”
As we work through all of these Scripture passages, one repeatedly sees the misplaced anger of man. The following section is a perfect example. Jesus sends some of His disciples ahead to a Samaritan village to arrange accommodation for Him. However, they did not want to receive Him. Scripture gives the spiritual reason: “His time to be taken up into heaven was approaching” (v. 51) and “He was on His way to Jerusalem” (v. 53). However, James and John become very indignant. They simply want to “call fire from heaven” to destroy the town (Luke 9: 51-56). Their misplaced anger is very clear. They would never be able to call fire from heaven, only Elijah could manage it. Jesus had also never mentioned that it is was part of His ministry plan to destroy villages with fire! Jesus severely rebuked and silenced them. “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.” (v. 55). Admittedly, they do not know that they are operating entirely from a spirit opposing Jesus.
Jesus’ love for His Father’s house consumes Him
(John 2:13-21; Matt. 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46)
Reading the story of Jesus cleansing the temple, some commentators focus on the whip that He sat and braided, taking his time, but the real miracle is how He emptied an entire marketplace full of money changers, sheep and cattle. In this case, Jesus’ voice thunderously echoed against the walls and with the help of a whip, He chased the animals out of the place. He demonstrates on this day how He not only exposes the abuse of an entire organization but also personally acts and brings righteous order. It must have taken incredible courage! Even before the temple police or priests could protest, Jesus overturned the tables and forcibly chased the whole group of people away. Jesus’ love for His Father and His children was driven to an emotional high that day. He could no longer tolerate the injustice to continue! May we also be filled with holy, righteous anger for what is right!
Jesus becomes Indignant Towards His Disciples:
“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark. 10:13-14)
The fact that Jesus became indignant is a revelation. However, once again, His unhappiness is not selfish or misplaced. This time it’s about the kids. The Greek word here is aganaktasen which literally means “full of sorrow”. So Jesus was sad-angry. Hear a child’s giggle and their unconditional love, spontaneity and freedom – opposed to the vain religious piety of his disciples.
Jesus Rebukes Peter:
“Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matt. 16:22-23)
Peter falls in the blink of an eye from the high spiritual position he held moments before. The Father revealed to him that Jesus is the Messiah, but Peter was in too much of a hurry to see the whole picture. The price the Messiah had to pay he did not see because he was still blinded by his own ego. Perhaps he saw a position of honor with Christ. Either way, he still thinks like a man. His flesh-driven rebuke towards Jesus is cut short by Jesus turning around and looking him straight in the face: “Get behind me satan!” Scripture says that Peter took Jesus aside and, like a friend, put his arms around his partner, came to stand beside him. He suddenly considers himself equal to Jesus, totally ignorant of the unbearable cup that Jesus would still have to drink.
Jesus is Distressed at Lazarus’ Tomb
At this time of Jesus’ ministry, it was dangerous for Him to be in Jerusalem. He was almost stoned a few days earlier, and the Jews wanted to arrest him (John 11:8; 10:31, 39). The family knows this and, therefore, the short message: “The one you love is very sick” (v. 3). Their words show their respect and faith in Jesus and their boldness towards Him – He is their friend. They have often helped Him, and He will help them, too.
As usual, the disciples focused more on themselves than the Lord. They did not understand Jesus’ words and drew the wrong conclusions. Jesus must explain to them directly what He means when He first says Lazarus is asleep because they do not understand. Thomas’ words that they are going to die with Lazarus indicate his usual pessimism. Thomas, the doubter, was worried about his own life (John 14: 5; 20:24-29).
So Jesus knew Lazarus was dead, yet He did not go there immediately. God wants to use these circumstances for His glory. Jesus says He is glad that He did not go immediately, for the Father was going to glorify the Son (v. 4).
How Jesus Managed Friends and Family:
Friendship is a leverage, an invisible bond that compels you to help. People will do anything for their friends. Friendship is an emotional, social commodity. Jesus offers His friendship and love, but he will not be restrained by it. That Jesus did not come immediately to Lazarus’ aid must have been a bitter pill for Martha and Mary to swallow. Jesus’ actions run counter to most people’s understanding of friendship. They lightly reproach Jesus’ absence (John 11:21; 32). “If You were here, Lazarus would have lived.” Even the mourners and spectators reproach Him (John 11:37). “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have stopped this man from dying?”
But Martha and Mary do not take offence. In one statement, they express their vital testimony about Christ. “She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.“
Jesus’ tears point to his pain in this relationship, not his sorrow for Lazarus. He will raise Lazarus from the dead in a moment (John 11:38). He has told them on more than one occasion that He will die and suffer. Here at the death of His friend Lazarus, Jesus foresees His death. He had to think of the burden of sin of these people that He would soon have to bear, and no one saw it. No one saw his internal pain.
Translators translate the Greek word ‘embrimaomai‘ with “groaning”. Yet the word has a distinctly different meaning: Strong’s # 1690: Derived from en, “in,” and brime, “strength.” The word is used to express anger (Mark 14:5), to indicate a speaking or acting with deep feeling (John 11:33, 38), and for stern admonishment (Matt. 9:30; Mark 1:43); to roar, storm with anger; to be enraged, indignant, to express indignation against someone.
How can one make sense of what is happening here? Since Christ and Mary were friends, it is likely that His deep emotion was due to His inner protest against their indifference, ignorance, and blindness. Our greatest sadness in any friendship is when your friend(s) do not see you. Your partner does not see your heart, your suffering, sorrow, or grief. It is the one single sin/transgression that can send any relationship down the road and eventually destroy it. The person closest to me does not see me!
The good news is that Jesus still loved them. He still gave His life and forgives us. Jesus overcomes this deep pain by continuing to raise Lazarus from the dead, that gives us a beautiful look at His humanity:
“He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ He raises Lazarus! (John 11:43-44)
Remember, let’s be truthful here: No friendship is eternal. Eternal friendship is only possible in Christ when we are resurrected with Him in His glory. All the romantic eternal declarations of love are false and short-sighted. Eternal commitment is only possible in Christ.
Jesus again rebukes their unbelief:
“Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.” (Mark 16:14)
Oneidos: Insult, offense. To defame, disparage, reproach. Generally, it means to rail at, revile.
“Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matt. 11:20-24)
It helps us to see that Jesus has a divine sense of reproach towards people’s stubbornness.
He never opened His heart to respond to them in judgment. Yet, He expressed His frustration and made it clear to them that they were standing before the judgment of a holy God:
“Unbelieving and degenerate generation,” Jesus said, “how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you?” (Matt. 17:17)
It is a staggering reality to know that many did not believe in God’s perfect example!
Jesus’ aggression against the Pharisees and scribes:
“And when he had looked round about on them with indignation, and was grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he said unto the man, Stretch forth your hand. And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored, healthy as the other one.” (Mark 3:5)
Jesus is angry with good reason. But He lives what He preaches: He does not repay wrong with wrong. He heals the man before their eyes! Paul would later put it nicely: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom. 12:21)
Jesus also addresses them directly about their falsehood, double standards and lust for power (Matt. 23: 13-36; Luke 11: 45-54). Once again, Jesus shows us the best way to live. You do not gossip or slander people’s wrongdoing; you confront them directly. If their transgression has been committed in public, you are also addressing the wrong act in public.
Jesus Restrains His Displeasure:
“Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean. Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.
However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.” (Mark 1:40-45)
The oldest manuscripts use the word orgistheis but have been translated into new translations with splanchnistheis. The influence of the stoics is evident in this translation change, trying to make Jesus’ actions look more pious according to their one-sided understanding of God. The first, older translation says Jesus was indignant. The passage’s context confirms this: Jesus is love, and out of love He puts His own life and reputation at stake to touch the sick. Jesus therefore gives him specific instructions which he completely disregards, and: “As a result, so many people began to surround Jesus that it became impossible for Him to enter any town openly. He had to stay outside in remote places. Yet people still came to Him from everywhere.” (v. 45)
Jesus wants to heal us, but He also wants to teach us to maintain our healing and live as healthy people. Faith obedience is how we stay healthy (Deut. 28)!
Sarah Sumner discusses Jesus and His anger in her book, Angry Like Jesus: Using His Example to Spark Your Moral Courage. In this book, Sumner explores how Jesus’ anger, as depicted in the Gospels, is a model for godly anger. She delves into at least fifteen stories from the Gospels where Jesus expresses anger, demonstrating that learning to handle anger righteously is part of being formed in the image of Christ. This book challenges the common notion that anger is inherently negative, presenting it as a powerful tool for moral courage and justice.
Sumner, S. (2015). Angry Like Jesus: Using His Example to Spark Your Moral Courage. Augsburg Fortress Publishers.
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