03/04/2018 - When Jesus Got Mad

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“When Jesus Got Mad”

John 2:13-22

  

• Why talk about anger?
  • ...especially on Communion Sunday?
    • We are in the season of Lent
    • The lectionary reading for today is Jesus clearing the temple
    • If we are in any way connected to the larger world via news reports, podcasts, social media, anger is now in the air we breathe.
  • Earlier this past week, while the news was still focused on the Parkland..
    • Did you watch the CNN town hall meeting?
      • I listened to it, and when the NRA spokeswoman was speaking I did indeed hear a cry of "burn her," although it could have been someone mangling the word "murderer." So much anger.
    • Did you hear the Broward county deputies (multiple) stayed outside?
      • We have since learned they were told to set up a perimeter
      • So much anger over that.
    • What do we do with this anger?
      • Write nasty replies on social media?
      • Take it out on other people during the day? (or worse, when at home in the evening?)
      • WWJD?
        
    • What Jesus did...
      • Why was He upset?
        • (Yes, He really was upset. The "wrath of God" is real...)
        • Disrespecting God's holy place was a part of the story... (John 2:16)
        • The other part was the "unjust scales" alluded to in Matthew 21:13 with the "den of robbers" quote
          • How often had Jesus and Mary and Joseph traveled to the temple, and how often had Jesus seen exorbitant prices demanded of the poorest people?
            
            
        • How did He respond?
          • Not politely! But not out of proportion, either...
          • A "whip" would have been used to get the animals moving
          • Turning over the tables and chairs got the moneychangers moving
          • He did not go around wailing on the money changers...
          • And when it was over, it was over! It doesn't say Jesus was carrying the anger around with Him, even against those who crucified Him.
            
        • How are we to follow Him?
          • Paul speaking to the church as a whole:
            • Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. - Ephesians 4:26-27 (NRSV)
          • The writer of Hebrews (maybe Paul) addressed lingering anger:
            • See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled. - Hebrews 12:15 (NRSV)
            • Ever let a bull thistle grow in your garden?
          • Do not allow yourself to be infected by this era of anger that we are living in
            • If your anger is just, do not allow it to become sinful
              • Treat others as persons deserving respect and understanding
              • Do not respond disproportionately
              • Do not in frustration take past wrongs out on present family, friends, churchgoers, coworkers, motorists...
            • In short, give your frustration and anger to God!
              • Allow just anger to move you to action, but don't allow it to curdle into bitterness.
              • Make no room for the devil, but make room for love and forgiveness instead.
              • Do your best in this age of anger to spread love, not hate, through the power of Jesus Christ.
              • Even if you don't feel it yet, set an example by your actions not only for others, but for yourself! If you do this, the feelings will start to change...