When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he simply looked around the city and left. He spent the nights of Holy Week in Bethany, just outside Jerusalem.
But on the next day, he got serious. He went into the Temple courts and began clearing house. The worship industrial complex was in full swing there. Some merchants were selling sacrificial animals for the worshippers who had travelled long distances. Rather than bring their animals on a long trip, these pilgrims brought cash to purchase local animals. Apparently the merchants were price gouging, taking advantage of supply and demand. They charged unfair prices because they could get away with it.
Also at the Temple were money changers. They also took advantage of the visiting worshippers. Typically people travelled with Roman currency (denarii), which was useful on their trips. But to pay the Temple tax, Jews needed Jewish money (shekels). Money changers helped the faithful convert their Roman money into Jewish money. And they made a handsome profit in the exchange.
Jesus was grieved to see businessmen taking advantage of the worshippers. They had turned the Temple into a den of thieves, Jesus said. So he turned over the tables and drove out the animals.
I'm sure I have some metaphorical tables that Jesus needs to turn over.
