Filled with 'reverent indignation,' Jesus cleansed the temple of those who were desecrating house of God
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"When Jesus cleansed the temple [John 2:13-16], He was filled with reverent indignation because men were desecrating His Father's house, selling doves and lambs to be offered as sacrifice," wrote President David O. McKay in Gospel Ideals.
"Money-changers were there for the convenience of those who came from other countries, so they could give in local currency their temple contributions. Seemingly, in their own eyes, they were justified, but they were doing these things in the House of God. We are told that He overturned the money-changers' tables and said to the sellers of doves, `Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.'" `Reverence,' wrote Ruskin, `is the noblest state in which a man can live in the world. Reverence is one of the signs of strength; irreverence one of the surest indications of weakness. No man will rise high who jeers at sacred things. The fine loyalties of life must be reverenced or they will be foresworn in the day of trial.' "
