Multiple choice. Pick the right answer.
A) Because He fed the thousands with fish like it was Fish Friday.
B) Because Paul wrote to the Galatians, who were Celts, the ancestors to the Irish. That means today Jesus would be a Notre Dame fan.
C) Because Jesus turned over the money changers' tables and fussed at them for making the Temple a "den of robbers". Catholics agree. It's not Jerusalem that should have religious wealth; it's the Vatican.
Jesus didn't attack the money changers because of their wealth, but because of how they, and the temple priests, obtained it -- price gouging, double dipping, and creating a ruckus in a sacred space.
Jewish and Gentile pilgrims from throughout the Roman Empire came to offer sacrifices at the temple. (Gentile believers were called "God Fearers" by the Jews.)
Some waited till the last moment to buy animals to offer for sacrifice, hence the presence of animals in the Outer Court (aka the Court of the Gentiles), possibly because it was easier than bringing animals on a long trip.
Also, the temple only accepted Jewish coins, not pagan coins, hence the presence of money changers.
1. Because of the great location (near the customers) and desperation of pilgrims (waiting till the last minute), the money changers and animal sellers engaged in price gouging.
2. The temple priests rented space in the Outer Court to the money changers and animal sellers. Thus the temple priests were double dipping. Collecting rent from the money changers and animal sellers, so believers could then donate that Jewish currency and animals to the temple priests.
3. The money changers and animal sellers also created a ruckus in the Outer Court, making it difficult for Gentile "God Fearers" to worship God.
None of the Above!
.
Jesus Rose from the Dead,
Ascended to Heaven and
Now Sits at the Right Hand
of Father God.
.
There Is No Other Name In Heaven
Or on Earth by Which man can
Be Saved.
.
Thank me Later.