What did Jesus have against pigeons? Or more specifically, against pigeon traders? To kick off Holy Week, I though I’d share an idea.
On the Monday of Easter week Jesus entered the temple grounds and tore the place up. It was always one of my favorite Bible stories when I was a kid. The vision of the Messiah overturning tables, driving people out, blocking people from bringing anything through the temple … it was all so exciting compared to the meek and mild stuff I was told about Jesus in most Sunday School lessons. This was a God who would demand respect even in a junkyard!
The story continues to enchant me as I’ve grown older. I love a God who is willing to take risk and upset the status quo. Proclaiming truth as He exacts justice is an image that inspires.
Over the years I have found nuances in the story that sometimes startle me. For instance, the story in Matthew and Mark both specifically mention Jesus going after the merchants who sold pigeons (or doves, depending on your translation).
Why the detail?
Pigeons were used as a substitute sacrifice by those who could not afford to buy a lamb. The Mosaic laws specifically allowed this. It’s a rather nice way to include the poorest of Israel and allowing them a degree of self-respect. They could participate in one of the most sacred rituals of their faith and know that they were completely within the bounds of the law.
So why would Jesus go after those who traded in pigeons?
Perhaps it was because the men who sold the pigeons on the temple grounds were taking advantage of the poor. Perhaps they kept prices high, knowing that the poor had no choice but to pay. Perhaps this exploitation was particularly outrageous to Jesus. So outrageous, in fact, that His rage directed at the pigeon traders was the kind of passion the Gospel writers remembered years later.
I like this Jesus. Bold, strong, willful … but acting on behalf of the weak, the poor, the oppressed.
On this Monday before Easter — this Pigeon Monday, as I might unhistorically call it — I aim to reflect on how my actions oppress the poor. And seek forgiveness for that.
Then I will reflect on how I might be able to turn over a few tables and chairs.