What does John 2:13 mean?

Jewish men living in the regions around Jerusalem were expected to attend three yearly festivals in the city (Deuteronomy 16:16). These were Passover (Unleavened Bread), Pentecost (Weeks), and Tabernacles (Booths). The gospel of John also mentions the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in John 10:22. Some of Jesus' most interesting conversations occurred during these festival times in Jerusalem.

The city was the center of Jewish worship, since it was the location of the temple. People travelled from great distances to offer sacrifices there, and to participate in religious ceremonies. Many of these people owned no livestock, so they had to purchase a suitable sacrifice after they arrived. This led to merchants, money-traders, and lenders setting up shop just inside the temple grounds. Unfortunately, the men there were not focused on telling people about God, or helping pilgrims. These men were abusing the situation, gouging vulnerable people for the sake of profit.