Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” John 2:16 (NLT)
Jesus was angry. As he walked into the temple he heard the sound of animals, bargaining, bantering, and money exchanging hands. Where was he? He was in the outer courts of the temple. This was the place that was supposed to attract folks to God who were not Jewish. It was the place that was intended to help them. Instead, it was being used to make a profit.
Jesus was offended that God's house, this place where God was to reside, was turned into a place where the only focus was financial gain. He said "Stop turning my Father's house into a marketplace!"
Makes you wonder.....these days we don't so much have temples with outer courts The house where God resides is supposed to be our hearts. If Jesus were looking into our hearts, would he see a place that had been turned into a marketplace or would he see a place that invited in those who needed him? Which priority would he find?