A quick search for the word "indignant" in the Bible shows the word is used 8 times in the New Testament. The disciples were INDIGNANT with each other at times because of jealousy; the leader of the Synagogue was INDIGNANT when Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath; the chief priests and teachers of the law became INDIGNANT when people worshiped Jesus more than they reverenced their authority, or when Jesus was worshipped "too" extravagantly. But when Jesus Himself was INDIGNANT on two different occasions He showed us that such a response should be reserved for those times when an obvious truth is violated.
The time His disciples stopped a bunch of kids from jumping on Jesus' lap, Jesus became INDIGNANT and said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
But an even more potent, yet subtle, message is given by Jesus' response to a man who was hoping to be healed of leprosy, as we read about in Mark 1:40,41.
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.
The man had faith in the POWER of Jesus, but not in His GOOD WILL, and Jesus was INDIGNANT at the idea that He might possibly not be willing to share His healing touch! Perhaps what made Him upset was the idea that the expectation the man had was based on the common perception of the religious leaders of the day. They did have some power to do good for folks, but were typically so selfish and disinterested in using it for the good of anyone.
This speaks volumes to me about the great love and mercy that God is not only able to bestow on us, but absolutely willing! Let's not doubt His authority over all of our ills. And let's not hesitate to ask Him for the help He so generously wants to give!
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