This story of Jesus driving out the traders in the Temple of Jerusalem is a symbol of how He has come with a new way for people to relate with God. This incident is placed early in John's gospel although the Synoptics are probably more accurate in putting it near the end of Jesus' public life. It was, as it were, the 'last straw' for the enemies of Jesus. They want to know His authority for so behaving. They do not realise that this is 'his Father's house'. We know that the Temple was actually destroyed in the year 70 AD by the armies of the Emperor Titus and that it was a shattering blow for the Jewish people. For those Jews who had put their faith in Jesus, however, - and for us too of course - they learnt that there was now a new and more lasting Temple not built by human hands - Christ Himself. Paul also speaks of the whole Christian community as being a Temple of God. It is His new presence in the world. It is truly an awesome responsibility for each one of us.