John 2:14-16, Jesus Cleanses the Temple

14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade."

Jesus is incensed that his Father’s house is a place of trade. It is not so much that animals are present for sacrifices, for such sacrifices are commanded by God, but that they are part of a money-making business, and are interrupting the worship of the people gathered at the temple. According to John Stott, “The actual temple tax was paid in Tyrian shekels, used because of the high purity of their silver. The money changers charged a percentage for their service.” It is one thing to offer a sacrifice to God for your sins; it is another for someone to make money off your sins as you make atonement to God.

Jesus knew his sacrifice would cover all sins and be free to all. God had designed the temple sacrifices to point to his ultimate sacrifice. Instead, these temple practices pointed away from it as though one could purchase God’s forgiveness. This is what drove Jesus’ righteous anger.