We all know the story of Jesus at the temple.  How he threw out the money changers and animal sellers and knocked over the cages of animals and birds.  Many Christians see this as a condemnation of commerce in the Temple.  They forget the second part - the birds and animals.  The only reason money changers were exchanging foreign money for the local currency was so visitors from foreign lands could purchase animals to be sacrificed in the temple.  It was the sacrificing of animals that Jesus objected too.  Otherwise, why knock over the cages and free the animals? 

Jesus wasn't the only one who objected.  The Essenes refused to participate in the animal sacrifices and sent the temple gifts of honey and flour instead.  Just as they did before the false priests elected by the Roman Governor took over control of the temple.