He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.
The Old Testament predicted that Messiah would come and purify the Levites (Malachi 3:1-3; cf. Zechariah 14:21). Jesus’ action perhaps recalled these prophecies to the godly in Israel who may have wondered if Jesus was the Messiah. His actions did not fulfill these prophecies, however, which appear in millennial contexts. Jesus will yet return to the temple that will be standing in Jerusalem when He returns at His second coming and purify the Levites serving there then. This will be preparation for His messianic reign that will follow. Another view is that Jesus’ first coming to the temple did fulfill Malachi’s prophecy. [Note: Bailey, p. 164.] 