For years I’ve wanted the Monday after Palm Sunday to be called Pigeon Monday in honor of Jesus flipping tables in the Temple. Yes, I know it’s silly, and I realize Hallmark isn’t ready to jump on the bandwagon. But the story has always made me smile because Jesus clearly had it in for the traders who specialized in pigeons.
On the Monday after what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus entered the Temple grounds and unleashed some fury. 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!
Have you ever noticed that both Matthew and Mark 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 nice way to allow the poorest of Israel a degree of self-respect and to feel included. 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, but the cost didn’t drive them even deeper into poverty.
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. So outrageous that He was willing to exchange any goodwill that had been built up for the opportunity to make a statement on behalf of the poor and voiceless.
I like this Jesus. Bold, strong, willful … but acting on behalf of the weak, the poor, the oppressed.
It’s a minor part of the resurrection story, but it is still worth remembering. It’s a story of hope.
And if Hallmark is interested I have some cool ideas for Pigeon Monday greeting cards.