At the Table: Turning Tables

Given how much of life happens around a table, it makes sense that our scripture library uses “the table” as a metaphor to help us think about God and God’s lifegiving provision. So, given this, why does Jesus enter the temple in Jerusalem and start flipping over tables (Matthew 21:10-13)? This seems rather out of character for Jesus. But is it? What happens when the very tables we should be able to find God at become tools for exclusion and even exploitation, where those without means are treated as less than, and the wealthy and powerful presented as more deserving of God’s blessing, love and forgiveness? Perhaps Jesus wants us to reclaim our tables as God breathed places for community and connection to happen.