What does it mean that Jesus overturns tables (John 2:15)?

Response

The incident of Jesus overturning tables challenges the common perception of the “kind Jesus,” the gentle teacher preferred by modern society. While Jesus is indeed kind, He also demonstrates righteous anger when necessary. An illustrative example can be found in John 2:15, which is best comprehended when considered in conjunction with the surrounding verses:

As the Jewish Passover was approaching, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts, he encountered people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as others seated at tables exchanging money. He then crafted a whip out of cords and drove all the animals out of the temple courts, scattering the coins of the money changers and overturning their tables. Addressing those who were selling doves, he exclaimed, “Take these things away! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” (John 2:13-16)