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What Made Jesus Mad?: Rediscover the Blunt, Sarcastic, Passionate Savior of the Bible
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?
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?
211 pages, Hardcover
Published June 11, 2019
124 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 16, 2019
Depending on one's theological bent, this book could be either reinforcing or controversial. It does, however, present a different "twist" on some of the often-overlooked Scriptures about Jesus and why he would be mad. In any regard, it's a thought-provoking volume.
October 11, 2025
First half of the book is among the most encouraging and thought provoking books I've read in a long time. The notion of Jesus he presents is the most biblically accurate that we as Christians must get back to. Sadly, the second half falls off and is nothing new or enlightening, but merely to fill the page count of the publisher. Read the first half, be a better person, and don't fret with finishing.
February 22, 2023
"I can't explain it, but it seems as though gravity works differently for Christians than it did for our Leader. Usually the longer we follow Jesus, the more likely we are to stand, instead of getting down in the dirt--even though we know the gravitational force for Jesus always pulled him down to the lowest possible place." And then he quotes Philippians 2:5-11.
"John said, 'For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen' (1 John 4:20). Paul said, '[Godly people] share freely and give generously to the poor' (2 Cor. 9:9 NLT). Psalm 82:3-4 says, 'Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people' (NLT). Jesus didn't mince words, either. He said, '[The King] will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.' (Matt. 25:45-46) Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard described the tension so many of us feel between thought and action this way: 'The Bible is very easy to understand--but we pretend to be unable to understand it, because we know very well that the minute we do, we are obliged to act accordingly.'"
These are 2 of my favorite quotes from this book.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who has suffered spiritual abuse and also for anyone who would like to see a radically different interpretation of the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the prodigal son, among others--I haven't seen the things he said about these stories anywhere else. His hermeneutics and understanding of ancient culture are very good!
"John said, 'For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen' (1 John 4:20). Paul said, '[Godly people] share freely and give generously to the poor' (2 Cor. 9:9 NLT). Psalm 82:3-4 says, 'Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people' (NLT). Jesus didn't mince words, either. He said, '[The King] will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.' (Matt. 25:45-46) Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard described the tension so many of us feel between thought and action this way: 'The Bible is very easy to understand--but we pretend to be unable to understand it, because we know very well that the minute we do, we are obliged to act accordingly.'"
These are 2 of my favorite quotes from this book.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who has suffered spiritual abuse and also for anyone who would like to see a radically different interpretation of the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the prodigal son, among others--I haven't seen the things he said about these stories anywhere else. His hermeneutics and understanding of ancient culture are very good!
July 8, 2022
In every scriptural instance where Jesus expresses anger - the rawest of all emotions - this is the match that lit his fuse: DO NOT GET IN THE WAY OF GOD'S LOVE
“There’s A Hole In My Sidewalk: Autobiography In Five Short Chapters” ~ Portia Nelson
Chapter I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost … I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit … but,
my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter V
I walk down another street.
The ‘hole in the sidewalk’ is a metaphor of life. To see our habits as our own may be the realization we need to make a change… and to find another way. We need not keep repeating what holds us back.
“There’s A Hole In My Sidewalk: Autobiography In Five Short Chapters” ~ Portia Nelson
Chapter I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost … I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
Chapter II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place.
But, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
Chapter III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in … it’s a habit … but,
my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
Chapter IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
Chapter V
I walk down another street.
The ‘hole in the sidewalk’ is a metaphor of life. To see our habits as our own may be the realization we need to make a change… and to find another way. We need not keep repeating what holds us back.
February 19, 2021
I'll be honest - I didn't think I'd like this when I first started it. Though it's a subject I'm interested in, my defenses were up from the start. Probably because I've been burned too many times in the past by those who wish to honestly discuss Christ and the Scriptures, but in the end throw away all of orthodoxy just for the sake of seeming "radical."
Thankfully, that is not the case here at all. While there may be some things on the margins to quibble with, Harlow makes a solid case for his main premise - that denying access to God made Jesus mad - and manages to not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Unrelated note - his humor builds throughout, and is at its best in the conclusion.
Recommended for Christians of all walks and for those interested in the teachings of Christ.
Thankfully, that is not the case here at all. While there may be some things on the margins to quibble with, Harlow makes a solid case for his main premise - that denying access to God made Jesus mad - and manages to not throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Unrelated note - his humor builds throughout, and is at its best in the conclusion.
Recommended for Christians of all walks and for those interested in the teachings of Christ.
August 22, 2025
Este libro explora los momentos en los que Jesús mostró enojo en la Biblia. Enfatiza cómo su enojo no era contra los pecadores, sino contra la hipocresía, la injusticia y las barreras que ponen para alejar a las personas de Dios.
En palabras del autor, el propósito del libro es desafiar a la persona que se crió en la iglesia toda su vida para ver a Jesús de una nueva manera, y al mismo tiempo, cautivar a alguien que nunca estuvo conectado con la Iglesia a examinar a Jesús.
Este libro además de acercarnos a un Jesús cuyo propósito es acercarnos al Padre, es ademas una auto crítica a las personas religiosas que ponen barreras a los demás.
En palabras del autor, el propósito del libro es desafiar a la persona que se crió en la iglesia toda su vida para ver a Jesús de una nueva manera, y al mismo tiempo, cautivar a alguien que nunca estuvo conectado con la Iglesia a examinar a Jesús.
Este libro además de acercarnos a un Jesús cuyo propósito es acercarnos al Padre, es ademas una auto crítica a las personas religiosas que ponen barreras a los demás.
July 22, 2019
This book does a wonderful job of showing how Jesus gets angry at those who say they are followers of God who get in the way by telling others they aren’t good enough. That is completely the opposite of what Jesus is all about.
If you are someone who thinks God is upset with you because “rules” you break or you don’t deserve to be a child of God please read this book. As a married lesbian, I want to say God loves you and he is just waiting for you to say hi. We are all his children.
Thank you Pastor Tim for writing this book. It is what we all need to hear from a leader in Christianity.
If you are someone who thinks God is upset with you because “rules” you break or you don’t deserve to be a child of God please read this book. As a married lesbian, I want to say God loves you and he is just waiting for you to say hi. We are all his children.
Thank you Pastor Tim for writing this book. It is what we all need to hear from a leader in Christianity.
January 1, 2020
I loved this book! The title piqued my interest and drew me in but the writing style and content had me to where I couldn’t stop until I finished it. Tim Harlow gives those of us who are “followers“ of Christ a reality check of what that really means. I’m a PK (pastor’s kid) who was and still is embedded in the Christian community. Sometimes it’s hard to see how unlike Christ we Christians can be. With love and hilarity, Tim Harlow peels the blinders off by reintroducing Christ and His heart for ALL people.
October 9, 2023
I almost didn’t download Tim Harlow’s book after my exasperated wife said, “I’m just so over all the outrage [in culture].” But Harlow doesn’t call us to outrage or even justify it. He reveals the passionate heart of Jesus and shines a light on the ways we get in the way of it. I was intrigued by his insights into well-worn New Testament stories. I appreciate Harlow’s candor about the times he’s been an obstacle to the gospel. I dare you not to get choked up at the end of chapter 12, and I encourage you to overlook the click-bait title for a book that’ll be good for your heart.
April 25, 2020
Appreciate how Tim takes us back to biblical times to relate circumstance to the current day. It's unfortunate to see how history repeats itself but insightful that the one constant is that God is here for us, despite anything that tries to impeded that relationship. Good reminder not to get caught in ways that connections with God are supposed to look but rather that it's most important that one exists. Appreciate Tim's humor in his application.
May 14, 2020
This book had a profound impact on my spirituality. As a member of his church, this book increased my understanding of the way PT preaches. I feel like this is a book all people who are searching for God’s grace should read. It may help you think twice about the way to treat those who might not necessarily fit into your “model” follower of Christ. I believe you will find yourself being more compassionate towards all walks of life after finishing this book.
August 27, 2025
Harlow answers the titular question very well and very thoroughly. He does his best to illustrate points with both biblical examples and relatable anecdotes. It's an enjoyable read. Harlow makes the topic fun, interesting, and comical, all while keeping the focus on Christ. My only criticisms are a small degree of personal theology and inner monologue where I felt they detracted (but he often uses inner monologue well).
September 27, 2019
Down to earth thoughts and explanation on how I can act and behave as Christian. My take home point is don’t let the way I understand things to create distance between me and people who think differently. The most important thing is the rock I am standing on, and the rock is God’s love “to seek and safe”
October 16, 2019
So ok! The main point of this book is Jesus gets mad at those who keep people from His love! And that I 100% agree on and that alone would be a 5 star book. But to make that point lasciviousness is kinda promoted and sin is made to look like no big deal. This book is good but only when balanced with scripture and the other side which is the Holiness of God.
February 8, 2020
For those who want to see a Jesus who's less like a stern schoolmaster and more like a Savior who loved people and had passions for grace, truth, and genuine relationships, this is the book for you. In considering what made our Savior mad, we also find out what makes Him happy, and the truth is simpler than you think.
April 20, 2020
I like the over-all premise of the book. My review is an average because there were some great points that had me agreeing whole-heartedly. However, there were also certain culturally-influenced ideological points that had me cringing a little inside. None of the scriptural references were surprising but it did give me some ideas on where to dig in deeper.
August 12, 2020
I wish I'd heard this in seminary
Harlow pulls a lot of scripture together making Jesus and faith realistic and appealing. The church, and too often I have lost this direction. Bring those who do not know God as a loving father back to that relationship. Get out of the way.
Harlow pulls a lot of scripture together making Jesus and faith realistic and appealing. The church, and too often I have lost this direction. Bring those who do not know God as a loving father back to that relationship. Get out of the way.
March 13, 2021
Good question. The author provides the answer on the third page of his introduction: Religion getting in the way of God's love. But I went ahead and read the rest of the book anyway, and I'm glad I did.
I recommend for church leaders, nonbelievers, and everyone in between. It speaks to people at all levels of their relationship with Christ. Wherever you are, I've been.
I recommend for church leaders, nonbelievers, and everyone in between. It speaks to people at all levels of their relationship with Christ. Wherever you are, I've been.
January 27, 2022
Easy to read and Tim Harlow’s sense of humor and irony as well as his old school references makes this book fun to read. Being a “new” Jesus follower and having been taken to task by more than one nun I love his ability to reinforce that God just wants us all to come to Him. I would recommend this to anyone who has had a bad church experience.
June 12, 2019
I'm not even mad
I have eagerly awaited the release of this book, and devoured it today. It will be one I re-read often. Thanks, Tim! I love your premise: "God loves you, and what made Jesus mad was when someone denied your access to that love." I couldn't agree more!
I have eagerly awaited the release of this book, and devoured it today. It will be one I re-read often. Thanks, Tim! I love your premise: "God loves you, and what made Jesus mad was when someone denied your access to that love." I couldn't agree more!
September 15, 2019
I loved this book and it was an easy read. Dr. Tim Harlow does not speak with a tone of expertise and nor does he use the King James language. He is down to earth with great stories that keep you interested. The bottom line is don't be a person who blocks God's love to another person.
May 14, 2020
Fantastic!
Funny while being so insightful and FREEING! I highly recommend this book to everyone. THANK YOU Dr. Harlow and team! I’m so thankful I found and read this book....even the credits, (yes I stocked you!🤣)
Funny while being so insightful and FREEING! I highly recommend this book to everyone. THANK YOU Dr. Harlow and team! I’m so thankful I found and read this book....even the credits, (yes I stocked you!🤣)
July 17, 2021
Loved Harlow’s writing style and sense of humor. This book spoke to me in so many ways. Paired so great with The Pause podcast Mark series and the discussions we are having in small group. Opened my eyes to a new side of Jesus and has given me a lot to continue to think about!
August 21, 2019
A very thought provoking book. I will ponder it's message along time. Hopefully I will have the courage to put into practice what this book has taught me.
December 14, 2019
Great book about how blocking access to God is what makes Jesus mad.
January 27, 2020
Pastor Tim's personality shines through in this book too. His perspective on the path to God is terrific. Recognizing how we all block the path is eye opening. Soo stop making God mad.
July 14, 2020
There were some good points made in the book, and the author threw in a lot of humor, but nothing stood out in a big way.
August 25, 2020
I enjoyed this perspective. There were alot of things to think about. I appreciate this down to earth, no frills Pastor.
September 30, 2020
Really made me think
While I'm not sure that I agree with everything the author said, this book really made me think. It will lead me to study more to confirm what I believe.
While I'm not sure that I agree with everything the author said, this book really made me think. It will lead me to study more to confirm what I believe.
October 6, 2021
thought provoking - the author's POV on some of Jesus' actions definitely had me looking at these events in a different light. "Light" reading as theological books go - a fairly quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews