Jesus drove the merchants out of the temple twice - one at the beginning of His ministry and one at the end.
On the first occasion they questioned His authority.
They didn't question if it was right, because they knew He was doing what was right.
On the second occasion they decided to kill Him.
When He came back to Jerusalem they were doing it again - using the temple as a marketplace.
Observe:
1) WHO was there? Two types of people: money changers & livestock traders - both very valuable and meeting a real need.
a) Money Changers - Jews traveled far and only had pagan coins so they needed to exchange them for Hebrew coins.
b) Livestock Traders - Since the trip was so far many Jews purchased livestock for sacrifice as opposed to hauling their own sheep a great distance.
The lines at the temple went as far as the eye could see.
Because there were people with real needs there arose a market to meet those needs!
That's the secret to finding a good business - just find where people are and what they need - then meet that need!
The problem was HOW the needs were getting met - this is what Jesus took issue with.
2) WHAT was wrong? Two things - they overcharged the people and they were in the wrong place.
a) The exchange rate outside the temple was cheaper than inside the temple, and the excess profit was split with the high priest.
It would be like going to an NFL game and buying a water for $6 when you could get it for $1 at a grocery store.
The high priest Ciaphas's father-in-law Annas was in charge of this business and the priests were profitting off this market.
b) It was taking place INSIDE the temple where the devoted God followers would come to pray.
Wherever there was business there was "busyness," so a literal market sprang up right inside the temple are where people were supposed to pray.
It would be like going to a mall food court and trying to spend your alone time with God - way too many distractions.
3) WHAT did Jesus do? He did what the high priest should have done - drive them all outside and rebuke their evil practices.
This would hurt Ciaphas's net worth, so it's no wonder why he wanted Jesus dead.
Once they were all gone Jesus took a seat and began to teach!
NOTE - the temple of old was replaced by our bodies, and Jesus wants to take a seat in our hearts - but He will not until He drives out all the "busyness!"
The good news is that HE will drive it out - we just have to let Him.
We are just like those greedy traders - we just want Jesus to "hook us up" with His blessings but we don't really want Him.
This causes busyness and distraction - just look at your prayer life - how often to "busy" thoughts interrupt your time with Him?
Our temples must be temples of prayer where Jesus can take residence - don't let the busyness of your business interfere.