What makes Jesus angry?
Maybe an angry Jesus is not something you’re comfortable with or that you’ve even considered. I know a lot of people think that there’s one God in the Old Testament who is full of wrath and judgment and thankfully a kinder, gentler God of the New Testament in the person of Jesus. That Jesus is meek, mild, and never angry.
Or maybe not. Maybe you are like me and you’ve got a couple of biblical instances that come quickly to mind. I know Jesus was angry at the greed and injustice of the moneychangers in the temple. He fastened whips himself and chased them out of there, for crying out loud! And I know Jesus was angry with the hypocritical and merciless Pharisees. I mean “brood of vipers” and “sons of the devil”… that’s some pretty strong language.
But I just read another time this week when Jesus was indignant.
For context, “indignant” is also the word that describes:
- A pharisee, mad that Jesus healed on the Sabbath.
- The disciples, mad that a sinful woman “wasted’ expensive perfume on Jesus.
- The disciples, mad at James and John for asking to sit next to Jesus in the kingdom.
- The chief priests, mad at Jesus for letting the children sing Hosanna to him.
Indignant is more than a little miffed. More than perturbed or annoyed. Indignant is angry because something is either very wrong, or perceived to be wrong.
Here’s what made Jesus indignant:
“And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:13-14).
Hindering kids from encountering Jesus. That ticks Him off.
It is essential that any follower of Jesus who has any influence in the life of a child takes these words to heart: Do not hinder children from encountering Jesus. Do not get in the way of God and His kids.
As flawed humans you and I could be a hindrance. Our own unconfessed sin could create a child’s perspective that says, “I’ve known Christians. My teacher/aunt/dad was Christian. They are a bunch of ___________.” We should be very careful in our own life and character to not defame the name of Christ.
Instead, can we be helpers who encourage kids to encounter Jesus? To really see Him? Because He’s awesome.
He’s powerful (Did you hear that thunder?). He’s artistic (Come here and look at this flower closely). He’s thorough (Did you know scientists used to think the appendix was useless–boy were they wrong!). He’s smart (look at all these cars on the interstate. He knows the names of every single driver, and where they are going, and…). He’s funny (have you seen a platypus, or baby kittens playing?). He’s wise (He knows all about friendships and work and love and money). He’s merciful (When I was at my lowest, He came to me and saved me). Everything that’s good, He is.
Jim Rayburn, founder of Young Life, famously said, “It is a crime to bore anyone with the gospel.” I agree. In addition to the amazing creation all around us, there are so many incredible resources for families to use to help little ones come and see our great God. He is simply the best.
How can you help your kids encounter Jesus this week? Comment to let me know your ideas!
