“Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text: ‘My house was designated a house of prayer; But you have made it a hangout for thieves.’ Now there was room for the blind and the crippled to get in. They came to Jesus, and He healed them.” — Matthew 21:12-14
“Jesus didn’t flip tables instead of healing — He flipped tables so that healing could happen.” — Rev. Sheila P. Spencer
During this past Holy Week, I took time to revisit this scripture.
This passage reminds us that Jesus was not passive when He saw injustice or corruption. He disrupted the systems that distorted the sacred. His boldness cleared the way for those who had been pushed out to enter in and be healed. Jesus didn’t flip tables instead of healing — He flipped tables so that healing could happen.
The message I received from the passage is this: The Jesus who flipped tables still exists. He was able to recognize injustice and discern the tables that must be overturned.
Jesus still walks into our lives, discerning what doesn’t belong and lovingly—but firmly—turning over what gets in the way of God’s presence.
The question is: What tables need to be overturned in us? Is it fear? Is it unforgiveness, pride, or shame? Is it ‘fill in the blank’?
Are there patterns, mindsets or distractions that have taken up sacred space in our hearts?
One of my reminders from the passage is this: The Jesus who flipped tables still exists.
He flipped tables because of injustice discerned. What in our lives needs to be overturned?
I believe this is one of the messages from the scripture today: To examine what in our lives needs to be cleared away.
What tables in your life need to be flipped so that God’s healing presence can move in more freely? Remember, the Jesus who flipped tables still walks among us — loving us enough to disrupt what no longer serves our purpose. Calling us to address injustices.
Prayer
Lord,
I invite You to walk through the temple of my heart. Show me what needs to be overturned — anything that is blocking the flow of Your Spirit. Give me the courage to release it, even if it’s familiar. Clear the clutter, cleanse the space and create room for healing and restoration. And remind me that sometimes we have to flip some tables.
Amen.
