Paul Miller:
It’s a treat to see good anger because it’s so rare. Remarkably, Jesus never gets angry when people hurt him—the very point where we might blow our stacks. Even on another occasion when the Pharisees call him demon-possessed, he responds matter-of-factly. Because he holds onto his time and schedule so lightly, he doesn’t get irritated at being interrupted. Because he owns so little, he has little fuel for the fire. Yet he gets upset with injustice and hypocrisy in others when compassion is blocked. His anger is centered on others’ welfare.
He also gets upset with anything that inhibits faith. The disciples blocked the faith of the little children. The money changers blocked the faith of the non-Jews. Jesus gets angry at anything that prevents love to people (compassion) or dependence on God (faith).
Jesus expresses his anger vividly, but it’s always controlled. Only his eyes blaze when the leaders refuse to bless the healing of the crippled man. Even in the temple, he is focused specifically on the object of his wrath: the money changers. And his anger always does good—a man gets a new hand, children get hugged, money changers get ejected, and the temple gets quiet. His anger is powerful, controlled, and creative.
C. S. Lewis portrays this side of Jesus in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Susan and Lucy are talking with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver about Aslan, a lion who symbolizes Jesus:
“Is he—quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion,” said Lucy.
“That you will dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver, “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without his knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”
“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ’Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
Both gentle and strong, humble and powerful, Jesus embodies the Tender Warrior.
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