Turning the Tables Over

One day when Jesus came to the temple He did something that seems out of character for the gentle teacher. The Bible says: Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. Matt 21:12 (NLT). He did this because God’s place of worship had been changed into a location for crooks to do business. 

This event could be used to illustrate that the Jewish religion was about to be overturned. Their perverted laws would be scattered on the ground when the new law of Christ came into effect. This would happen at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to live in side of every born-again person. Turning the tables over caused the Jews to decide on the killing of Jesus. Ironically, His death would signify the demise of their religion. 

The old covenant had become a very elaborate set of inter-woven laws that the religious leaders used to control the people. Originally the law was God’s instructions for living a righteous life but the leaders had twisted it into a controlling mass of self-righteousness. However the people were never able to keep from sinning which necessitated a new covenant. This new agreement would allow some humans to live with God in eternity. 

One writer described how different it was: But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. Heb 8:6-7 (NLT). Good news of this new covenant has traveled around the world today.

God’s plans for people can now be completed. A human was born that had the ability to fulfill every righteous requirement. This man Jesus gave Himself to the authorities to be killed on the cross. After entering Hell for us, He returned to live forever. Now all people need to do is “have faith” in the sacrifice of Christ. Our acceptance of the Savior includes the dedication of ourselves to Him. Faith in Jesus can allow us to live forever. 

The tables have been turned on the plans of the world. All worldly nonsense will come to nothingness. In the end even the Devil will live in torment forever. Of course He will have taken many people down with him. It’s no wonder that the Jews were so upset when Jesus turned their table over. This act showed that every scheme of man would be dealt with by God at some point. Judgment might also seem out of character for our loving God. 

The first covenant has been replaced by a better one. This new covenant has God’s Spirit living inside of us and a continual advocate beside our God. The Bible says: You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance…Heb 12:24 (NLT). Our Savior has “turned the tables” in order to save the lost.