Anger is one of those emotions we’re not always sure what to do with. We know we are allowed to be angry for certain things, but where do we draw the line? What kind of anger is permissible and what is sinful?

Whenever we’re wondering questions like these, a great first step is to ask how Jesus responded to them. What did Jesus get mad at? How long was he mad? What did he do while he was mad?

Author Tim Harlow in What Made Jesus Mad: Rediscover the Blunt, Sarcastic, Passionate Savior of the Bible takes the time to research what made Jesus mad and why.

When it comes to leadership, the right kind of anger can be a useful tool. Anger doesn’t have to be a negative thing but can push us in the right direction, toward defending our employees, volunteers, beliefs and values as an organization. Or it can even launch new initiatives as something in our sphere of influence angers us and we have the power to enact change.

Anger can be a powerful motivator, but only when it is healthy and well-directed. The type of anger Harlow writes that was obvious in the life of Jesus is anger that came when access to God was blocked.

Jesus himself is “God in a body,” so it makes sense that He would be righteously angry when rules or religion or tradition or preferences get in the way of people meeting God and experiencing Jesus. One of our roles as leaders ought to be making it easy for people to come to Jesus. It is Jesus who does the work of redemption and transformation, not you or I no matter how good of a leader we may or may not be. 

One stand-out quote from this book is when Harlow writes, “People in leadership have the responsibility and the privilege to lead those who follow them toward a desired destination” (68). The desired destination is always the foot of the Cross and the face of God. We want to lead people toward the destination of Jesus Christ. That is our aim, goal and purpose. 

This book is helpful in understanding more about the anger of Jesus and the full gamut of emotions He felt while on this earth. It is clear to see from the anger of Jesus where the heart of God is: He desires for us to come to Him, to know Him, to have access to Him. May we, as leaders, lead toward that purpose.