Why did Jesus flip the tables?
Let’s set the stage. You walk into church — just like you do every Sunday. But this time, some guy is flipping tables and destroying the place. What. The. Heck. In what world is it necessary or acceptable to destroy property and run people out? That guy, well, he must have really lost it.
That guy. It was Jesus. Wait, the guy who’s all about love and helping people — He’s the one who flipped the tables in the temple? It was Him. If you’re looking for some proof, check out Matthew 21:12-13 for the account of the situation.
Jesus flipped tables and threw out everyone who was buying and selling in the temple, and there’s a lot we can learn from this scenario.
Why did Jesus flip the tables in the temple?
This is the passage in the Bible that people love to point to when they want to question Jesus’ character. We say Jesus is love and kind and compassionate and, frankly, flipping tables flips all those characteristics on their head. Why would a loving God destroy property and chase people out of the temple? He must not really be a good God — right?
On the surface, it’s easy to see how someone could come to that conclusion. But here’s the truth: God was defending you and me.
What? How?
The temple was designed for Jews to worship. There was one very small area of the temple that was designated for non-Jews, called Gentiles, to gather and worship. This area was the outermost courtyard and called the Courtyard of the Gentiles. This area was where people were set up selling goods. This sacred area that was specifically designed for prayer and worship had been converted to a marketplace — a den of robbers, the Bible calls it. And all of this happened mere days before Jesus willingly died on the cross.
Jesus was protecting the Gentiles' right to gather and pray and worship. His goal was to purify the church. So, He flipped the tables and threw everyone out.
Lessons learned from Jesus flipping tables
We can learn a lot from this scene now that we have a better understanding of why Jesus flipped the tables in the temple. Here are some points to ponder and lessons to learn related to why Jesus flipped the tables:
It’s not an excuse for angry social posts. It’s OK to let our anger and frustration show as long as it’s rooted in righteousness, right? That’s a slippery slope, my friend. Sure, it’s so easy to want to defend what’s right, but those online rants are probably doing more harm than good. What change are you hoping to achieve with that tactic?
Stand up for what’s right. At the same time, Jesus’ actions show us that taking a stand against immorality is something we should do. Just make sure that the method in which you're taking your stand speaks to Jesus’ character.
Check your heart. As you go through your day-to-day activities, are your intentions set on God? If we were made to worship, how are you worshiping Jesus in your daily life? Are you doing God’s will? It may be time to flip the tables on your own intentions.
People may not like you. If you’re taking a stand for what’s right — and doing it in a respectful way — people may not like you. People didn’t like Jesus when He decided to flip the tables in the temple. But He did it to purify the church and get our attention.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. And every journey needs a Starting Point.
Starting Point groups are in-person, stress-free and judgment-free groups that meet periodically at Centerpoint Church. Here, you can spend some time getting to know fellow group members, reading and having an open conversation about topics like God, the Scriptures, faith, and Jesus. Completely new to the teachings of Jesus? Returning to church after a long break? Questioning the teachings you were brought up with or just unsure what you believe? Our Starting Point groups are here to help you navigate your faith journey. Get in touch with us to learn when the next Starting Point group is meeting or to join a Starting Point group.