If I were a church-goer and one particular Sabbath I saw merchants had set up for-profit "service" business offering candles, icons & LIVE ANIMALS TO SACRIFICE then I would do much worse than flip tables and threaten to whip. Jesus went easy on them!
Interestingly, Jesus only did this one time: when con-artists and shysters used the houses of worship to fleece hopeful men and women of their honest dollar, when the leadership of the church was more interested in controlling the people than leading them to God. In every instance in which people truly struggled with their shortcomings and sought peace with God, sought understanding with God, no matter the so called crime or sin, Jesus was nothing but encouraging. Yet, I can't help but expect that many who believe Jesus would chastise like some dog to be sicced on those who refuse to be clubbed into control may find themselves questioned for their "salaries", "parsonages", "church jets", and other outright lies and thefts in the name of God.
Sorry.... touchy and irritating subject.
Sorry.... touchy and irritating subject.