These two stories go together so well. They begin to help us understand who Jesus is and what His purpose was and continues to be - the Purifier! He has authority to clean the temple from its impure practices. This, like water to wine, is another symbol of Jesus’ death. The temple is where God’s presence met His people. Jesus kicks out the buyers and sellers because the payment to enter into God’s presence was about to be paid. The true temple is Jesus’ body! It is going to be destroyed for us.