Chapter 14 (Part 1)

The Incident in the Temple
This chapter explains from a historical point of view how Jesus suddenly became so famous. Etienne Trocme shows that the Temple incident did not take place during his last week of life, but in fact much earlier during a visit to Jerusalem. This provides a link in the middle of the synoptic gospels. There is evidence that supports that there was trade of sacrificial animals in the Temples courtyard. There is also proof that showed traders took advantage of the demand for clean animal sacrifices by raising prices. The money-changers must have been very well off at the time. Male Jews were supposed to spend a certain amount of the income in Jerusalem at the time.
What occurred in the temple angered Jesus. He was not impressed by the intricately decorated buildings and paid no attention to the ritual ceremonies. What he did notice was a widow who gave her last penny and the economic development of people’s devotion and faithfulness.
According to Mark, Jesus came to the Temple late one day when it was to late to do anything about what he saw, so he came back the next morning with supporters. Jesus with his supporters forced the traders and money-changers, with their merchandise and money, out of the courtyard. Jesus placed guards at the gates so they would not be allowed reentry. Most likely the temple police only intervened until the priests and scribes came to negotiate. He did not approve of what was occurring in this place of worship.