Inspiration

What made Jesus mad? Jesus' Righteous Anger (with Video)

Jesus is often seen as a gentle teacher and healer, but his actions show that he could also feel frustration and anger – just like us. His responses can give us insight into how we should handle our anger.

Last Updated:
December 25, 2023
March 13, 2023
  •  
8 minute read

Table of Contents

Are you familiar with the stories from the Bible that illustrate how Jesus Christ responded to different situations? For example, have you ever wondered how Jesus reacted when angry? Or what made Jesus mad? Understanding how Jesus answered to anger is essential, especially in a world where many don’t know how to respond to their emotions is critical.

Jesus is often seen as a gentle teacher and healer, but his actions show that he could also feel frustration and anger – just like us. His responses can give us insight into how we should handle our anger. From scolding those who misused their power to expressing his displeasure with the religious establishment of his day, let's look at some of the ways Jesus expressed righteous anger in the Bible.

1. Jesus Cleanses The Temple of the Money Changers

Jesus was fed up with how the temple had become a place of buying and selling instead of being used as a house of prayer. He was unequivocal in His message to those profiting from the temple - that he disapproved of their actions. (Mark 11:17)

Jesus showed us that it's okay to show righteous anger in response to injustice. In today's world, we often hesitate to stand up for what is right. We're afraid of offending someone or making them uncomfortable. But Jesus made sure to make His point known without hesitation.

We need to remember that Jesus wasn't just a peaceful figure who never expressed anger or emotion; He was a real man who felt passionate about certain things and wasn't afraid to say it! We see this in many other Scripture stories, such as when He talked with the Pharisees and scribes in Matthew 23:13-36.

We can learn from our Lord and Savior's example here - don't be afraid to speak your truth or stand up for what is right! Let us remember Jesus' passion and courage when we encounter injustice so that we can take action!

2. Jesus Rebukes The Pharisees

One day, Jesus walked through the temple and saw people buying and selling things. He became furious at the sight of this because he knew they were taking away from the reverence of God's house. So, he took action and drove them out of the temple with a whip! This was an act of righteous anger on his part but also an act of love as he sought to restore holiness to God's house.

The Pharisees were also present when Jesus was cleansing the temple, but rather than standing with him, they began accusing him of not respecting their laws. In response, Jesus didn't just stay silent - he boldly proclaimed they had no authority over him or his Father in heaven! His words were strong and direct - a clear rebuke of their actions.

In Matthew 9:10-13, Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, and many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?". On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Preventing people from seeking God gets Jesus angry. He dined with tax collectors and sinners, even when it caused the religious people to slander Him.

In another instance, when the Pharisees refused to answer Jesus' questions, “He looked around at them in anger, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts” (Mark 3:5)

We often think of anger as a selfish, destructive emotion that we should eradicate from our lives altogether. But these stories teach us that sometimes we must be brave enough to stand up for our beliefs, even if it means speaking out against those who oppose us. As followers of Christ, we should take courage from this example and use our voices to proclaim truth wherever it needs to be heard! Let's remember these lessons from Jesus to live lives that honor God.

3. Jesus Condemns The Hypocrites

The Bible tells us that Jesus encountered the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:33. He saw them as hypocrites because they claimed to follow God’s law but did not practice what they preached. He said their hearts weren't in it, and instead of leading people on the path to righteousness, they were leading them astray. His anger toward these hypocrites showed his passion for justice and truth.

Jesus was upset that these religious leaders were misleading people with false teachings and denying them access to God's grace. He wanted everyone to have an opportunity to receive salvation, regardless of their background or ability to understand religious laws and practices. Through his words, we can see how important it is to stay true to our beliefs and be honest with ourselves and others.

Jesus' condemnation of the hypocrites reminds us that we must stay true to ourselves, even when faced with criticism or judgment from others around us. To follow Jesus' example, we should strive for honesty in all areas of our lives - whether in our relationships or our spiritual journey - to experience the fullness of life God has intended for us!

4. Jesus Denounces Those Who Reject Him

One of those moments came when Jesus was teaching in the temple courts. The people there had difficulty understanding his message, so they started to mock him. This angered Jesus greatly, and he denounced them for their lack of faith. He said, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves nor suffer ye that are entering to go in."

Sometimes it's easy to forget that Jesus isn't only a loving person but also someone who speaks truthfully and passionately about God's will. He wasn't afraid to tell people what they needed to hear - even if it made them uncomfortable. And while this could be seen as anger by some standards, it was an expression of his deep care and concern for the people he spoke to.

It's important to remember that although Jesus is gentle and kind, he still stands firmly by the truth of God's Word and won't tolerate anyone who rejects it or denies its power. So let us strive to accept his teachings and follow his example each day - not just because we have no choice but because we want to live lives that honor him.

5. Jesus Rejects The Traditions Of The Elders

Jesus rejected the traditions of the elders and refused to be bound by their rules and regulations. He knew that these man-made laws were unnecessary burdens on the people, and so he refused to adhere to them. Instead, he advocated for a more direct connection with God that could be achieved through prayer and obedience.

This shows that Jesus was passionate about his mission and had no tolerance for those who wanted to keep people from experiencing the truth of God's love. We can see this in other places throughout scripture as well. For example, when Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven coming near, he was opposed by those who wanted to cling to old traditions rather than embrace what God was doing in their midst.

Jesus knew following these man-made laws would detract from experiencing true freedom in Christ. This is why he challenged those stuck in their ways and encouraged them to open their hearts and minds to a new way of living through faith in Him. He clarified that to live a life full of joy and peace; we must come out of our comfort zones and follow Him wholeheartedly.

6. Jesus Rebukes Unbelieving Jews

In John 8:24, Jesus tells the Jews that they will die for their sins if they do not believe in him. This is a powerful statement of rebuke and anger toward those who do not accept his teachings. Moreover, it serves as a reminder to all believers that we must stay true to our faith or risk condemnation from God.

Jesus also expressed his frustration with the religious leaders of his time in Matthew 23:13-15. He called them hypocrites for demanding strict obedience from the people but not following through themselves. His words are a stern warning against believing leaders who only preach what they want to hear instead of living out their faith.

It is clear from these examples that Jesus was not afraid to speak out against those who did not follow him or live according to God’s Word. We should take note of this and strive to be like him in our lives – never compromising our beliefs and standing firm on what we know is right. Let us remember that Jesus was willing to express his anger when necessary, and let us do the same!

7. Jesus Reacts To The Disciples' Lack Of Faith

Let's look at one instance in Matthew 17 when the disciples struggled with their lack of faith.

It was a challenging time for Jesus, as He could see how difficult it was for His friends to understand what He was teaching them. Despite their best efforts, their fear and lack of belief kept them from understanding the power of faith. In response, Jesus said to them: "O ye of little faith." It reminded them that even though they had difficulty believing in Him, He still felt in them and wanted them to trust Him fully.

We all face moments when we feel like we're not living up to our potential or doubting our abilities. During these times, it can be helpful to remember the example set by Jesus and His patience with His disciples. Even though they didn't always have the faith or understanding He desired, He still loved them and wanted the best.

When our faith falters, or we cannot keep going forward, let’s remind ourselves of Jesus’ example – His patience and loving guidance despite challenging circumstances – so that we may continue our life's journey with renewed hope and confidence in ourselves.

8. Jesus Curses A Fig Tree

The story takes place in Mark 11:12-14. Here, Jesus is traveling to Jerusalem, and he becomes hungry. He comes across a fig tree but, upon inspection, finds that it only has leaves and no fruit. So in his frustration and hunger, he curses the fig tree saying, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!”

At first glance, this may seem like an overreaction. However, it has a deeper meaning than just being angry about not having food. By cursing the tree, Jesus tried teaching his disciples about the power of faith and prayer. He demonstrated that if they have faith, even something as seemingly impossible as getting fruit from a barren tree can be possible with God's power.

This story teaches us that even though we may feel frustrated or upset, we can turn to God for help. He will give us the strength and courage to persevere through challenging times. That is why it's essential to always keep our faith alive and active in our hearts to overcome any obstacles that come our way!

The story of Jesus cursing the fig tree reminds us of faith’s power in our lives. It shows us how God works through us miraculously if we have trust and patience. Let this serve as an encouragement for you today - no matter what situation you're facing or what challenge lies ahead, always remember to remain faithful to God – He will never let you down!

9. Jesus Responds To The Rich Young Ruler

In this passage, a wealthy young ruler came to Jesus, asking how to get eternal life. Jesus replied by telling him that he had to obey the commandments and sell all his possessions, but the ruler went away sad because he was unwilling to do so. However, instead of responding with anger or frustration, Jesus showed us that it is possible to remain calm and loving even in difficult situations.

Jesus understood that no matter our circumstances, God always has a plan for us, and it is important to trust Him in every situation. So, rather than getting frustrated or angry at the rich young ruler’s response, He loved him unconditionally and allowed him to make his own decision. This shows us that following God's plan is ultimately up to us, and we must make choices that bring us closer to Him rather than away from Him.

We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus provides an excellent example of how we should respond in challenging times - with love and patience, even if we don’t agree with someone else’s actions or decisions. We can trust God’s divine plan for our lives as we look toward His perfect will for each of us!

10. Jesus Condemns The Unrepentant Cities

Jesus Christ was a man who had strong convictions. He wasn't afraid to express his holy anger when he felt it was necessary. In this case, Jesus condemned some of the unrepentant cities he visited. We can learn so much from this example!

First, notice how passionate Jesus was about his faith and what he believed in. He didn't back down when faced with opposition. Instead, he stood firm and spoke against those unwilling to listen or change their ways. This is an example of true conviction!

Second, consider the consequences of not listening to Jesus' words and warnings. God ultimately destroyed the cities that refused to repent for their lack of faith in Him and His teachings. This serves as a reminder for us all - if we don't take heed of our Lord's warnings, there may be dire consequences for us as well!

Finally, we must remember that even though Jesus got angry sometimes, He still loved everyone profoundly and wanted them to turn away from their wrongdoings and return to Him. We can learn from this example by realizing that even when we are angry or upset with someone or something, it doesn't mean we love them any less - it just means that we need to take action to make sure things get better.

We must remember the lessons Jesus taught us through his actions - never give up hope on people you care about, but also be sure they understand your expectations of them! With patience and understanding, anything is possible.

Conclusion

We can learn much from Jesus Christ’s responses to unbelieving Jews, the Disciples’ lack of faith, and the Pharisees and Hypocrites. Jesus wasn’t afraid to get angry when protecting His Father’s will. Yet, he spoke with authority and conviction, teaching us to take our faith seriously. We must put God first in our lives, not just for our benefit but for His glory.

We can also see how important it is to obey God’s Word. When Jesus was confronted with those unwilling to turn away from their sinful paths, He sternly warned them of impending judgment if they didn't repent. This shows us that turning away from sin is not something we should take lightly or ignore.

In conclusion, what made Jesus mad in the Bible reminds him of His commitment to doing what is right and honoring His Father in Heaven. It also reminds us that following God faithfully brings rewards, while ignoring Him results in punishment. As believers, we must have the same conviction and determination Jesus had when living out our faith.

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