Expulsion of the Temple money-changers

After his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus went to the great Temple of Jerusalem and attacked the stalls of the money-changers and merchants who did business in the Court of the Gentiles.

His action frightened the Temple authorities, who feared he was about to lead a rebellion against Roman rule.

Questions for Bible study groups

  1. Which painting is your favorite? Why? What do you like about it?
  2. How is Jesus portrayed in these paintings?
  3. Does this image of Jesus fit with your personal image of Jesus? Why? Why not?
Expulsion of the Money-changers, Giotto di Bondone

Expulsion of the Money-changers, Giotto di Bondone

Expulsion of the Money-Changers by Jesus, Valentin de Boulogne

Expulsion of the Money-Changers by Jesus, Valentin de Boulogne

The Merchants chased from the Temple, James Tissot

The Merchants chased from the Temple, James Tissot

Christ Cleansing the Temple, by Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1875

Christ Cleansing the Temple, by Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1875

Jesus Cleansing the Temple

Christ Driving Merchants from the Temple, Jacob Jordeans, 1650

Christ Driving Merchants from the Temple, Jacob Jordeans, 1650

Find Out More

Jesus Christ
Modern images of Jesus and Mary
Birth of Jesus