Luke 19:44-46
The scene of Jesus turning over the tables of the moneychangers seems rather incongruous if you have been paying attention. Jesus has just come into Jerusalem on a donkey colt, demonstrating His humility. His ministry was characterized by love and mercy. There was never a hint of violence. So, what's the big deal now?
Jesus has always reserved His harshest words for those leaders in Israel who unfairly treated the poor and marginalized. The merchants were taking advantage of the fact many had traveled for for the Passover feast, and it wouldn't be convenient to bring a sacrifice with them. They were robbing the people with overpriced animals to make a profit. The phrase "den of robbers" comes from Jeremiah 7:11. The passage talks about oppressing the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow. The people thought because they worshipped in the Lord's temple that they were fine even though they were oppressing people, and committing adultery, perjury, and idolatry (7:5-9).
How much we have become like those who were warned by Jeremiah. We oppress the poor and marginalized, cheat and tell lies, and worship people and things instead of Jesus. When His people act this way, it is time to turn the tables.
Sometimes things need to be shaken up a bit. Have we lost the ability to realize when God is the One doing the shaking?
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