Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 3

Welcome
If we look at the depictions of Jesus in paintings and drawings, we often see him in moods that are calm and serene. The scenes are often peaceful and balanced, yet hard to relate to as we face a world that presents so many challenges. If we imagine what Jesus may look like when considering recent headlines, we may see him displaying something like what we are focusing on this week: the emotion of anger. Welcome to the third week of our series, Emotional Rollercoaster. This series is focused on the wild turns our emotions lead us on and this week, anger gets the spotlight.

Opening Prayer
Lord, it feels odd to be praying to you about anger. But we know that you relate to us on a deep level and anger is part of our experience. As we focus on an event that made Jesus angry, please open our hearts and minds to productive discussions. Bless our time together and lead us to helpful insight. It is in your name we pray, amen.  

Ice Breaker
When you are angry, what do you do to turn it around? Do you sit with it, act on it, or do you look for a way to leave that feeling behind?

The Head
The reading this week comes from the New Testament Book of John. For context, the Passover referenced in the first verse will become what we know as the Last Supper (an event we remember and honor in communion). Jesus knows that crucifixion is near. His tension is likely high and certainly the disciples felt that tension. As he approaches the temple, it is then he charges into this chaotic scene in the temple courtyard.

John 2:13-25

13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16

To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

• What reasons do you think Jesus had for driving people and animals out from the temple courtyard?  
• Do you think his anger was justified?  Why or why not?
• “The Jews” referenced in verse 18 of this translation are also identified as Jewish Leaders in other translations. Why do you think they did not recognize the cause of Jesus’ anger?
• The disciples of Jesus had two moments in this group of verses when they connected the dots of prophecy. Describe those moments.  

The Heart
Anger is a complex emotion because it often masks a range of other emotions lying underneath.  In fact, therapists and others who analyze emotions including anger often classify it as a secondary protective emotion. Anger becomes the culmination of inner stuff swirling. The graphic below is taken from the book by Brene Brown called “Atlas of the Heart” and describes anger in a dynamic way.

• How does this graphic resonate with you? In what way does it create a new layer of understanding about anger?
• Are any emotions on this wheel surprising sources of anger? If so, which ones?
• If we use this graphic and consider what Jesus might have experienced, what other emotions might you attribute to his anger?
• What emotions on this wheel do you feel contributed to the last time you were angry?  (No need to jump into specifics here, but share if you like.)

The Hands
Once again, our discussion on anger should lead to a fresh understanding that God relates to us on a very deep level, even when we are extremely raw with our emotions.  Anger can make us feel alone and separate from God even though God is with us always; even in times of anger.

• Do you seek God when you are angry?  In what ways does that help you?
• How might you respond to your own experiences with anger in a way that helps others?
• This week, how will you honor your anger (and any other underlying emotions) while still avoiding words and actions that may cause harm to others?

Closing Prayer
Hey God, thank you for this time together today. Thank you for loving us like you do. Please grant us your grace and forgiveness when our anger is too much. Please help us to be kind to others and to seek you when our efforts fall short. It is in your name we pray, amen.  

Going Deeper
If you are struggling with anger or anything else, you don't need to be alone! Reach out to a pastor, connect with your CoreGroup leader, or check out The Gathering’s Wellness Ministry.

References
Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience. Random House.