Audrey Harmon-Smith sent me this email after Monday’s study. After I sent her an overly-long reply, I realized this would make a great discussion question to post.
Hi Brian,
After tonight’s Young Adult Bible Study, I’m wondering if Jesus actually sinned??
In Gal 5:20 it lists one the acts of the sinful nature as “fits of rage” NIV or “outbursts of wrath” NKJV. In Matt 21:12 Jesus overturned the tables at the temple, and it seems like he was angry. It looks like he had a fit of rage in the temple and was so mad that he knocked the tables over on purpose. Also it doesn’t seem Jesus had “self-control,” one of the fruits of the Spirit.
I know that Jesus didn’t sin, but I can’t find a way to justify his rage. How can it be OK for Jesus to show rage, and not for us? Or have I misclassified his behavior? I’m guessing there may be 2 types of rage, one that’s ok and one that isn’t? Not sure…
-Audrey
So that’s today’s question. What do you think?
Tomorrow I’ll post my reply to her.