Jesus condemned the religious sect for following their laws to the utmost but neglecting the weightier issues such as compassion, kindness and forgiveness. In this passage, the Pharisees and lawyers burned with anger because Jesus had broken a religious law by healing a man on the Sabbath. Their laws made no room for real life struggles that could only be attended to with love and compassion. The weakness of their doctrine had been exposed and they had nothing to say. And they burned with anger because Jesus came with new teachings that threatened to upset their control and authority. What kind of a riot could one man bring? The Pharisee's sure footing was slipping. Theirs was a selfish, self-righteous anger.

The religious leader’s blatant hypocrisy and unjust treatment sparked a holy anger within Jesus. There is justifiable grounds for righteous anger. Anger at sin is a sign of healthy spiritual vitality. It is a sign that we are stirred by the injustices and offenses that grieve God. Our cry is that we would be disturbed by what disturbs God. Where does our anger come from? Are we more like the Pharisees alarmed by our own selfish concerns or does our heart burn with anger over weightier concerns? Consider the motive behind our heated responses. Can God join us in our anger? Ask God to break your heart over what breaks His.