Turned Upside Down | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Turned Upside Down | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Deikun
01/27/05
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It was an ordinary day in the temple court. Tables were carefully situated for those who entered the temple. Easy access was necessary for them to purchase the animals or birds needed for the sacrifice. Many Jews found it easier to buy than travel with an animal when they traveled a long distance. Simon carefully sorted his coins into the appropriate sections as he stood behind his table. The day had been extremely busy for the money changers, and Simon planned to keep part of that profit for himself.

Just then that pretender entered with his ragged band of followers. People murmured words of disapproval as they gaped at his appearance. Some of the priests seemed to think he was a threat. Simon almost snickered, as he looked over the drab and poor appearance of this man. He certainly didn’t follow the rules. Simon thought back— no, he had never sold him so much as a turtledove.

Suddenly, the feel of the air changed. What was that idiot doing? He had just turned over Elieazar’s table! Coins flew everywhere! Along with the other money changers, Simon faced this crazy rabbi in shock. He went after another table. Feathers flew as doves were released from their cages. Tables crashed one after the other and animals screamed in fear. Simon scrambled to get hold of as many coins as he could. He felt the eyes of the man peering at him. What had he done? Why was this rabbi starring at him and shouting? This rabbi made this unbelievable mess! And surely he would pay. Yet no one attempted to touch him.

“You’ve made it a den of thieves! My Father’s house is to a house of prayer! A HOUSE OF PRAYER!” shouted the rabbi. Simon glanced in awe-struck silence. The rabbi seemed to be twice as large as any man in the room and his eyes were like glowing coals. There was no doubt that he was angry – but this anger was beyond anything Simon had ever encountered. Even the Chief Priest had never been so angry. This man seemed to emanate a frightful and intense passion. Rage burned from his eyes and face. You could hear it in his words and see it in every movement as table after table toppled. Even the men with him seemed turned to stone as they watched.

Tears streamed down the Rabbi’s face. Was he hurt or sad? Or was he just so very angry? Simon did not know. He only knew that never in his life had he felt so afraid. And yet – what could this man do to him? He was nobody. Shaking, weak with fear, Simon sat on the floor. “Really! He’s nobody at all!” thought Simon. But still his hands trembled and his heart quickened as this Jesus and his followers left the temple.

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