And when He had looked round about on them with anger,…

I. THE SCRIPTURAL PICTURE OF JESUS IS ANYTHING BUT PASSIVE.

A. Such error permeates Christian culture.

B. If we’re to be conformed to the image of Christ, we’d better understand what that image is.

C. Anger is not sin.

1. It is a normal human emotion, not a sinful emotion. (Prov.15:1)

2. Jesus was human but without sin, and yet He showed anger.

a) It’s how He felt when He saw the hardness of their hearts.

b) It’s what moved Him to turn over the money changer’s tables in the Temple.

c) It’s what motivated Him to call, Herod a fox, The Pharisees whited Sepulchers, and His disciples, men of little faith.

II. THE BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE REGARDING ANGER.

A. In the same category of other actions.

1) Drinking is not sin, but drunkenness is.

2) Eating is not sin, but gluttony is.

3) Sex is not sin, but fornication is.

4) Rest is not sin, but laziness is.

5) Saving is not sin, but hoarding is.

6) Desire is not sin, but covetousness is.

7) Marriage is not sin, but practicing polygamy is.

B. The Bible commands us to be angry. (Eph. 4:26)

1) Allowing anger to turn to bitterness, is wrong.

2) Holding back anger broods resentment.

3) Allowing anger to be released as rage is wrong.