A Different Way of Looking at Jesus: Angry

“A Different Way of Looking at Jesus: Angry”

“How would you describe Jesus in one or two words?” I asked the youth in our Bible study. They used words such as: love, goodness, humble, pious, kind, caring, devout, meek and gentle. “So, what would Jesus look like based on what you saw in the movies or read in the Bible?” They mentioned long hair, pale skin and a constant smile… like a flower child of the 1960’s holding two fingers in a ‘V’ saying… “I’m for peace, man.” Still, another student’s description reminded me of Mister Rogers as he pats a child on the head and says… “It’s a wonderful day in the neighborhood. Will you be my neighbor?”

But… do you know anyone wanting to arrest Mr. Rogers, torture him for hours on end and then hang him up on a cross until he dies? (Maybe after watching a few hours of reruns?) Nah! I don’t think so. Apparently, Jesus was no flower child or Mr. Rogers. Yes, Jesus can certainly be described as loving, full of goodness, humble, pious, kind, caring, devout, meek and gentle but there is so much more…

Why were the Jews so enraged at Jesus? Good question. I found interesting answers in the twenty third chapter of Matthew: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. (Matthew 23:1-3)

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Who are the scribes and Pharisees and why is Jesus chastising them?

Scribes and Pharisees describe a group of experts on Jewish law formed long before Jesus birth. Surrounded by Greek culture and Roman occupation, the Jewish people were slowly losing their identity as people devoted to following God’s law. Pharisees took a heroic stand to once again follow God’s law whatever the consequences. In many ways, they were heroes for their faith. In other words, scribes and Pharisees were the most dedicated church folks in town. People like you and me.

Imagine a world famous spiritual leader such as Billy Graham or the Pope visiting your church. The entire community gathers to hear the message. On the front row sits the pastor and church leaders. The speaker steps up to the pulpit and calmly faces the congregation. He thrusts his arm toward the front row and shouts: “You pastors and church leaders sit in nice buildings with thickly padded pews and stained glass windows. You may be good teachers but you do not practice what you teach.”

Are you beginning to understand why the scribes and Pharisees were so offended? Wait! There is more. Throughout chapter twenty three of Matthew, Jesus goes on to proclaim:

Verse 13: How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees.
Verse 15: Yes, How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees.
Verse 16: Blind guides! How terrible it will be for you!
Verse 23: How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees.
Verse 25: How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees.
Verse 27: How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees.
Verse 29: How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees.

Then Jesus shouts the harshest condemnation of all… Verse 33: “Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?” Wow! Strong language! When someone you know becomes angry frequently you don’t pay much attention to each outburst but when a person like Jesus who is known for being loving, calm and compassionate blows his top… you wake up and take notice.

Why is Jesus so angry? Also, why is he so angry at pastors, Sunday school teachers, choir members, Administrative Board chairpersons, deacons, elders and other leaders of local churches?

Most of all, why is Jesus so angry at me?

The answers may surprise you or even infuriate you but then you will begin to understand why Jesus had to die so that we may live. To read part 2 now: Click here.

Last modified June 18, 2001.

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