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Day 17: Meek and Wild

The pictures we see of Jesus often show a man who looks gentle and kind, and this is true, but there is also an aspect of Jesus that was zealous and angry. When Jesus saw a marketplace set up in the foyer of the temple, he plaited a whip (quite a time-consuming task) and then went to town to clear the room with a few well-placed cracks. When Jesus was told that Lazarus was dead, most bible translations say that he was “deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” This appears a gentle response, but the Greek suggests he bristled with emotion (embrimaomi). This word was often used by Greek playwriters as a stage direction to describe stallions rearing up legs, pawing at the air, and snorting before they charged into battle.” Jesus was moved with indignation, He was angry, and often, but never in a sinful way and never wishy-washy and sentimental. But He never sinned in it. How can God be both an angry guy and a safe and gentle one?

1) Which of these two parts of Jesus am I more comfortable with? Why?

2) What can I learn about Jesus and put into practice from accepting the part of Jesus that comes less naturally to me?

3) Write a short statement to remind yourself of these multi-faceted truths about Jesus.

a) John 11:33-38

b) John 2:12-17

c) Rev. 19:11-16

d) Romans 11:22