Jesus and the money changers

[Mudhammam]

Well this event appears in all 4 gospels, so it very likely did happen. He accuses them of thieving, so whether this was by extortion, or simply by occupying the only space accessible to the unclean is unclear. The second explanation in my mind is favourable since they could provide services outside the temple.

How did this actually happen? What were the logistics?

The Temple was 35 acres filled with livestock, vendors and money changers. There were also many Roman guards scattered around. Just to give you an idea, 35 acres is about the size of 26 American football fields.

So, just how is it possible that Jesus walked into the Temple, filled with guards, livestock, tables of other vendors, and drove out the money changers?

Also, wouldn't the money changers have their own guards to protect the money?

Well, the presence of Roman guards at least doesn't make it unbelievable--if I recall correctly, this was his final public act before they had him executed. So, that sort of disruption (assuming his followers joined in the racket)-- coupled with their proclamation that he was their equivalent to Caesar and assumption that he would lead the revolt that ushered in God's kingdom-- seems like sufficient cause for executing him by the manner they did, which was a punishment reserved for the worst of the worst, and included political adversaries.