19:45–46 Luke’s account of the cleansing of the temple is briefest of the Gospel accounts (see note below). Luke’s account is briefest because he has omitted the various details regarding those who were selling and changing money (see Matt. 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:14–16). Also omitted in Luke is the cursing of the fig tree (see Mark 11:12–14), as well as a few other less noteworthy details.

The point of Jesus’ action is twofold: (1) Positively, Jesus purges the temple in order to prepare it as a place where he can teach the crowds (as indicated in v. 47); (2) negatively, Jesus purges the temple because of his objection to the buying and selling. It should be remembered that wealth, property, and money are items of major concern in Luke. The mercantile activities of those within the temp…