The Gospels record two separate occasions where Jesus confronted money lenders in the Temple. Here's a breakdown of what he said and did:
Key Actions:
* Overturned tables: In both accounts, Jesus dramatically overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves or other animals for sacrifice.
* Used a whip (in John's Gospel): The Gospel of John specifically mentions Jesus making a whip of cords and driving the animals and people out of the Temple.
Words (Variations in Gospels):
The exact words vary slightly between the Gospels, but the core message remains consistent. Here are the common themes:
* "Take these things away!" (John 2:16): This is a direct command to remove the items being sold.
* "You are making my Father's house a house of trade!" (John 2:16): This accuses them of turning a sacred place into a marketplace.
* "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." (Mark 11:17, Matthew 21:13, Luke 19:46): This is a powerful condemnation. He quotes the prophet Isaiah (56:7) about the Temple being a place of prayer for all people, and then accuses them of turning it into a "den of robbers." The phrase "den of robbers" comes from Jeremiah 7:11, suggesting they were exploiting people in their religious practices.
In Summary:
Jesus' words and actions in the Temple were a forceful rebuke against the commercialization of religious practice. He accused the money lenders and merchants of disrespecting God's house, exploiting worshippers, and prioritizing profit over genuine devotion. His actions were a symbolic cleansing of the Temple and a challenge to the established religious authorities.