Be Angry, But Sin Not - John 1-2

John 2:13-17 (ESV)

(Jesus Cleanses the Temple)

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

The above story is, according to some commentaries, is occurring at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.   Others believe John has jumped right to the end of Jesus’ ministry.   Whether there was one or two “cleansing” of the Temple can be debated at another time.  The significance is that Jesus’ righteous anger was on full display.  Those coming to Jerusalem for Passover needed to have an animal sacrifice to offer.   Traveling at great distances made that a struggle, so capitalism materialized in the Temple court.  This defiled the Temple.  Jesus quotes a portion of Psalm 69 and drives the merchants away from the area.   Having a desire to stand up for God is a marvelous character quality for the believer.   It is interesting that we see Jesus have “zeal” but not sin in anger.   Remember, Jesus was without sin.   We are sinners.   Our anger is seldom without sin.   Notice what James told the early church:

James 1:19-20 (ESV)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

It is difficult to determine what is righteous anger and what is sinful anger.   Paul told the church at Ephesus:

 Ephesians 4:26 (ESV)

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

That we will have anger.  But, the anger is to last for a brief moment and be resolved by the end of they day.    God confronted Jonah about his anger.  Jonah was angry because God redeemed his enemies, the Ninivites.   God asks him, “Do you do well to be angry?” (Jonah 4:1-5).   Jesus was able to demonstrate a zeal for God and purify with that zeal.   He worked the righteousness of God through that zeal.   However, our anger does not work the righteousness of God.   We are to put away our anger.  We are to allow God to do His part.  Our part is to confess our anger and ask God to redeem us from it.  When we do confront others about sin, as Jesus did here, notice how Paul states we should do it:

Galatians 6:1 (ESV)

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

We are to confront sin, but we are to do so in a Spirit of gentleness and meekness.