When I began my study of Isaiah several months ago, I quickly became uncomfortable. This reaction surprised me because previously I've found this book to be comforting and encouraging. But this time it seemed all judgment and punishment. So I began to investigate how to process difficult passages of Godโs judgment.
Anger
What About Jesus Overturning the Temple Tables?
"I like the Jesus who overturned the tables most of all," my colleague said. I think he was being a tad facetious, but there is also truth in his words. I hear folks using this incident in the gospels as a justification for anger or acting ugly. So what does it really mean?
Leave Her Alone
The twelve disciples reclined with Jesus, the guest of honor, around the table. Without warning, a woman (John's gospel identifies her as Mary, Lazarus' sister) pushed her way into this gathering of men and broke an expensive jar of scent worth a year's wages over Jesus' head. Immediately, criticism ensued.