I agree with you.... there are many examples of Jesus' venting his anger but not once did he pick up a sword to strick someone physically. Yes he threw some tables around and had some royal hissy fits but he didn't condon rage that leads to torture. Jesus came to show the world a different way.

Punishment is a consequence of violating the laws of God and the people of the land. And again would Jesus have supported vengful and torturous acts? If He had we would not have been redeemed by his walk of purity and unconditional love.

I think to feel righteous anger and to want an evil perpetrator to pay for his/her crimes and to image them being put through some or more of what he/she put others through is a natural response to experiencing, witnessing or hearing of such evil acts. Its not that I don't understand or can't relate to such emotions. Its that Jesus, my guide and my teacher modelled a different response.

Walking with Jesus is often contrary to the emotions that stir inside me. There are times with my illness that I truly want to die. When suicide seems to be the only solution to ending my pain and suffering. Only Jesus keeps me alive during those times. How many other ways does Jesus save me.... can we count them in a lifetime?

Jesus loved his followers, the thief and the rapist equally. He forgave the sinners. That didn't mean he absolved them of punishment. It just meant that He didn't abandon them from His Father's Love. That teaches me that I must still find His Love in me to minister to those who have violated the laws no matter how hanous the crime. I can support punishments that restrain and restrict a person from further acts of evil. I must also pray for the renewal of that person's spirit and the salvation of their soul.