Did Jesus Have Anger Issues?

Is there a psychological explanation for a mildly perplexing portion of scripture? There’s a moment in John 8 that has always peaked my curiosity. It is found in a very familiar, often preached section of scripture. It is the story of the woman caught in adultery that is brought before the group of men in the crowd that Jesus was teaching. Jesus was put in an awkward spot between a rock and a hard space: (1) upholding the law that clearly condemned this woman and (2) His desire to demonstrate the union of mercy and truth that was a core component of his person and purpose.

The intriguing, perplexing part for me was his response. He stooped and wrote on the ground with his finger. I’ve always been teased by a sense that there’s something hidden in that act and the fact that it was recorded so precisely. Why did Jesus do that? Why was it so clearly reported? What is God revealing to us through that aspect of this narrative?

Just yesterday, I was reminded of my tendency to be too quick to be direct and confrontational in ways that put people on the defensive. Instead of drawing them into and toward the truth they might need to examine, my directness often raises their defenses and shuts down an interaction that could’ve gone somewhere powerful and life-giving. My loose use of words (think sarcasm) is often counterproductive, and it too often shuts down an interaction that might actually be vital to the person or situation.

We believe that Jesus was all man and all God. We believe that he was tempted in all points without sin. As I read John 8 this morning, I was struck by the following questions. Is it possible that Jesus stopped, stooped, and wrote because of his need to manage a perfectly reasonable emotional response in that situation – – – anger? Is it possible he stopped, stooped, and wrote to create a pause within which he could listen and shift from his lizard brain to his listening brain? Is it possible that he stopped, stooped, and wrote because He wanted to hear His Father’s response rather than react out of his justice-seeking indignation at the manipulation of these legalistic leaders?

I do not want to make this some deeply theological revelation. It hit me very personally because of my ongoing awareness of my need to draw people toward truth, not drive them. I thank God for the discernment and wisdom He so freely gives to those who need it and is open to it. I also ask him to forgive me and assist me in my battle to use that discernment and wisdom in a way that is helpful, not hurtful.