Why did Jesus physically throw out the money changers instead of winning the argument with reason? When Jesus cleared the money changers from the Temple, he drove them out by overturning their tables and (in John) even using a whip. Why did he not try to remove them with persuasion, by making a reasoned argument? He was certainly capable of winning arguments (eg story culminating in Luke 13:17).

Bible references for the story:


Matthew 21:12-13
Mark 11:15-19
Luke 19:45–48
John 2:13–16 (possibly a separate occasion to the above Synoptics)
It seems that there is an assumption in this question that suggests reason is preferable to judgment.  Reason is appropriate when the problem is merely a misunderstanding, but judgment is appropriate when the problem is willful disobedience.

It is likely that the place in the temple where the market had been set up was in the Court of the Gentiles.  Thus, occupying that particular place was in essence excluding the nations from the worship of the one true God.  As Rick noted, the Temple was intended to be a place of prayer for all nations--not just the Jews.


  These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”  Isaiah 56:7


It seems unlikely that the people would not have known this, as it was called the Court of the Gentiles.  So, occupying that place was in direct violation to a command of God--not a misunderstanding.  Thus, it was wholly appropriate for Jesus to bring judgment rather than reason.