Many point to the episode of driving out the money-changers from the temple as some sort of sign of continuity. But this really is nothing.
The scene is John the Baptist at the Jordan, baptizing all who come to him and confess their sins.
Matthew 3: 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Wrath to come? This is the New Testament, and John is about to introduce to the world the Good Samaritan, the “love your enemies” guy. And he introduces Him with these words:
10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
He is speaking of the Son of God, Jesus Christ – cutting down and burning unfruitful trees.
12 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Just as God did at the time of the flood.
And we learn more about this Son in the book of Revelation….