Indignation

But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.                                                                                       Matt. 21.15

The children were gloriously praising Jesus, but the religious leaders were “indignant”.

The single English word “indignant” omits much of the depth of meaning indicated in the Greek. Aganaktéó suggests pain and grief. It is indicative of mental oppression, of deep grief and resentment. There is a marked spiritual significance to the “indignation” of the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They were not merely “put out” as if by a minor offence. They were deeply resentful in spirit concerning this man who claimed to be God.

It’s not difficult to see how the events of the following week unfolded as we consider the absolute rage that these people could have been experiencing to Jesus.

I wonder if similar “indignation” has been behind many of the unfortunate occurrences within the church of Jesus Christ through the ages, where offence has been taken and torment and strife has ensued – to the overall hurt and damage to the body. Well may we cry out to God for protection.

Almighty God,

I come to You in prayer for the church and its preservation.

I bring to You the sins of the people down through the ages. I lay before You all those actions, born of indignation, that have adversely affected the body and caused much damage. I humbly ask for Your forgiveness. Spare us please. Be merciful. Free us from the oppression of the past and strengthen us in this present time to live and act in harmony and unity. May we present to the world the body of Christ as truly as we might.

We need Your help in this. I ask this help on behalf of the church, in Jesus’ name.                                                                                                                                                           Amen.