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Cover of What Made Jesus Mad?

What Made Jesus Mad?

Rediscover the Blunt, Sarcastic, Passionate Savior of the Bible

  • Christian Living
  • Publisher: Nelson Books (Thomas Nelson)
  • Published: 2020

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Publisher's Description

While Christians love to focus on a gentle, tender Jesus, Harlow offers an unforgettable reintroduction to the true character of Jesus and invites us to get to know the savior who was gracious but also blunt, sometimes sarcastic, and wildly passionate about bringing people to the heart of God. We often don’t know what to do with the Bible’s stories of Jesus' righteous rage. Yet the truth is, while the Son of God was loving and tender, his words could be equally sharp and biting. The same man who said, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44) also said, “You snakes, how will you escape being condemned to hell?” (Matthew 23:33). With compelling storytelling and enlightening examinations of Scripture, Tim Harlow journeys through the gospels and looks at what, and who, ignited Jesus’ anger. He guides us through instances of Jesus’ anger in response to the barriers people put up: in the temple, where money changers literally denied access to the Father, especially for the non-Jews and the poor; during his teaching, when little children were denied access; on the Sabbath, when religious leaders put rules above relationship and suffering above healing; and many more. What if, Harlow asks, by coming to understand God’s holy anger, we come to know a savior we never knew before? How can we respond like Jesus when good intentions, prejudices and judgments, traditions and rules, and selfish and joyless people conspire to keep others from God’s presence?


Endorsements (9)

“PRAISE FOR WHAT MADE JESUS MAD? “Are you ticked off at religion? So was Jesus. Are you sick of churchgoing finger-pointers? So was Jesus. Are you weary of people who call themselves God-fearers but behave like people-haters? So was Jesus. This insightful book invites us to explore the oft overlooked indignation of Christ. Be prepared to be convicted, instructed, and encouraged.”

Max Lucado

“Too many Christians have turned a blind eye to the stories and practices that actually made Jesus angry. In his book, What Made Jesus Mad?, Tim Harlow gives practical steps for living out a life that truly mirrors Jesus’. This book is an eye-opening take on present-day Christianity—specifically, what we are getting wrong about Jesus. If you are confused, frustrated, or plain angry about what you see happening around you, this is the book for you.”

Craig Groeschel

“This book is refreshing, honest, and significant. Anger is a powerful emotion necessary to evoke change, ignite deep desire, and burn for justice in this world. No wonder Jesus got angry. If ever there was a time to explore the kind of anger that could help us confront evil, overthrow injustice, and right the things that are wrong on this earth, it is now. I believe Tim has put his finger on an important source of inspiration for this time. May the righteous anger of Jesus move us to actions that empower!”

Danielle Strickland

“I had originally planned on speed-reading through What Made Jesus Mad? due to my hectic work schedule, but the book’s title hooked me so much, and the content was so engaging, that I spent days neglecting work just to finish this thing! I really feel in my heart that this book is meant for the entire body of Christ—male and female, young and old, as well as all denominations.”

Brian “Head” Welch

“As I began to read What Made Jesus Mad?, I didn’t expect to see glimpses of myself in people who made Jesus mad. Scratch that—I was shocked to see much of myself in those who frustrated Jesus. Thankfully, Tim Harlow would rather help us love others well than scold us. Be prepared to put down the magnifying glass, look in the mirror, and love like Jesus, regardless of the critics.”

WILFREDO “CHOCO” DE JESÚS

“Tim Harlow has hit the nail on the head. Too many Christians have turned a blind eye to the stories and practices that actually made Jesus angry at the church. Thankfully, Tim shows us what a true Christ-follower needs to look like in this book.”

Mark Batterson

“Tim Harlow has written a book that asks the provocative question of what makes Jesus mad. The short answer is: us. At least, those of us who claim to follow him but so often get it wrong. The long answer is: you have to read the book, and then you will have a better chance of living in such a way that you bring a smile to many faces, including the Face that matters most.”

John Ortberg

“Only a man with a lifetime experience as a pastor could have the insight to write a book about challenging the people of God to reflect on what made Jesus angry. Tim Harlow is that man, and I recommend you read What Made Jesus Mad? and prepare to be challenged.”

Alan Robertson

“I have always wondered whether I would have been on the right side of history had I lived in Jesus’ day. Would I have sided with Jesus or with the religious leaders who ended up killing Him when he showed up? Tim Harlow makes me feel even less comfortable asking that question, which is exactly why you should read this book. Tim holds nothing back in What Made Jesus Mad? He shines a light on the things that made Jesus angry and draws a parallel to our present-day church. Throughout the book, Tim gives practical steps for living out a life that truly mirrors Jesus’. Tim is an excellent guide for a journey that Christians and the church today need to take.”

Carey Nieuwhof

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