Did Jesus really whip people when He cleansed the Temple? Lets read what the Scripture really says:
“In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here…” John 2:14 (NIV)
This Scripture says Jesus used the whip on all—both sheep and cattle, not on people. Jesus’ only intention here was to cleanse the Temple. Not to harm people or their property. Naturally, the animal’s sellers were driven away from the Temple when they ran after their fleeing livestock. Jesus closed down the money changers operation simply by over turning their tables. Furthermore, it says Jesus drove away the dove sellers simply by telling them to “Get these out of here…”.
But some claim that where it says Jesus drove out “ALL with cords” means that He drove out ALL of the animal sellers and money changers with the cords as well. But not so, for it clearly says that Jesus only told the dove sellers to “get these (doves) out of here”. In fact, this verse show that Jesus was considerate not to set the birds loose, for flying birds could not be regathered as livestock could. Again, it only says Jesus “drove out all—both sheep and cattle”.
Moreover, Jesus “scourge of cords” was certainly no weapon of mass destruction which would frighten a bunch of men. It was gathered quickly and only intended to startle and move animals. I have raised sheep, and often I would grab a small twig in order to move my flock. I did not have to beat and or hurt the sheep, but just startle them to get them to move.
Finally, when Jesus came the first time, He said He did not come to Judge / punish the world, but to save it (John 12:47). Hitting someone with a whip would be a form of punishment (as a parent may whip their child). In keeping with His mission, Jesus actions were only intended to cleanse the Temple, not to punish people. Punishment will come later…on the last day:
“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.” John 12:47-48