Redefining Love: Embracing Boldness and Community in Faith

Summary

Today’s teaching centers on a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life as he enters Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering and betrayal that await him, while the crowds around him expect a triumphant, conquering king. This contrast highlights the loneliness that can come with faithfully pursuing God’s mission, especially when others misunderstand or have different expectations. The story in Matthew 21, where Jesus overturns the tables in the temple, challenges our assumptions about what love looks like. Many of us, myself included, have grown up with a narrow, sanitized view of love—one that is always gentle, always polite, always aiming for the “bullseye” of niceness. But Jesus’ actions reveal a love that is sometimes unpolished, provocative, and even confrontational when necessary for the sake of justice and restoration.

Reflecting on my own journey, I realized that my understanding of love was limited, shaped more by my experiences and comfort than by the fullness of God’s love as revealed in Jesus. It was only by intentionally reading through the Gospels and asking, “How is this action loving?” that I began to see the breadth and depth of Christ’s love—a love that includes both compassion and challenge, both healing and holy disruption. The analogy of darts illustrates this well: while we may think the goal is always to hit the “center” of what we think love should be, sometimes love looks different—like aiming for the “triple 20” instead of the bullseye. Love can be a warm smile, a hard conversation, or a bold act of justice.

Pursuing shalom—right relationship with God and others—sometimes requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to engage in conflict resolution, and to confront the ways we may be complicit in brokenness, even if we’re being “nice.” Jesus’ mission was not simply to stamp out sin, but to bring redemption and restoration, to invite us into the kingdom of heaven here and now. When we feel alone in this journey, we are called to seek out community, to share our stories, to find joy together, and to remember that God is always with us, desiring more for us than we can imagine. As we remember Christ’s sacrifice through communion, we are reminded that we are never alone—God’s love pursues us, challenges us, and invites us into deeper relationship and purpose.

Key Takeaways

- Love Is Broader Than Our Comfort Zones
Jesus’ actions in the temple challenge the idea that love is always gentle or polite. Sometimes, true love requires boldness, confrontation, and even disruption for the sake of justice and restoration. God’s love is not limited to our preferences or comfort, but is willing to do what is necessary to bring about right relationship. [07:05]

- Loneliness in Faith Is Part of the Journey
Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing he would be misunderstood and alone in his mission. There are seasons when following God means feeling isolated or out of step with those around us. In those moments, we are invited to remember that even Christ experienced this loneliness, and that God’s presence remains with us. [03:29]

- Pursuing Shalom May Require Uncomfortable Action
Seeking peace and right relationship (shalom) sometimes means engaging in difficult conversations or addressing conflict, rather than settling for surface-level niceness. True shalom is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, humility, and courage to realign ourselves with Jesus. [11:25]

- Community Is Essential for Spiritual Growth
When we feel alone or discouraged, surrounding ourselves with community is vital. Jesus himself gathered disciples and friends around him, modeling the importance of walking together. Sharing our stories, joys, and struggles with others helps us experience God’s love in tangible ways. [15:05]

- God’s Desire for Us Is Always More
Jesus’ mission was not just to eliminate sin, but to bring redemption, restoration, and the kingdom of heaven to earth. God’s heart is for us to experience fullness of life, right relationship, and deep belonging. Even when we feel inadequate or alone, God is with us, inviting us into his greater story. [14:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:42] - Series Context and Introduction
[03:29] - Jesus’ Lonely Entry into Jerusalem
[04:02] - Reading Matthew 21:12-16
[04:45] - Children’s Praise and Jesus’ Response
[06:06] - Wrestling with the Meaning of Love
[07:05] - Jesus’ Provocative Actions
[08:13] - The Darts Analogy: Rethinking Love
[10:00] - Everyday Acts of Love
[11:25] - Shalom and the Challenge of Conflict
[12:13] - Moving Beyond Complacency
[14:06] - Jesus’ Mission: Redemption and Restoration
[15:05] - The Importance of Community
[16:24] - Joy, Fun, and Sharing Our Stories
[17:36] - Communion and Remembering Christ
[18:38] - Closing Prayer and Communion Invitation

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Love Beyond Comfort Zones
*(Based on Matthew 21:12-16 and the sermon by David Croft)*

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### Bible Reading

Matthew 21:12-16 (ESV)
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.
13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.
15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant,
16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”

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### Observation Questions

1. What actions did Jesus take when he entered the temple, and what was his reason for doing so? (see v.12-13)
2. How did the religious leaders react to Jesus’ actions and the children’s praise in the temple? (see v.15-16)
3. According to the sermon, what were the crowds expecting from Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, and how was Jesus’ understanding of his mission different? [02:42]
4. In the sermon, what analogy did David use to describe our common understanding of love, and how did he challenge that view? [08:13]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What does Jesus’ decision to overturn the tables in the temple reveal about the nature of his love and his priorities? How does this challenge the idea that love is always gentle or polite? [07:05]
2. The sermon mentions that Jesus felt alone in his mission because others misunderstood him. What does this suggest about the experience of following God’s calling, especially when it goes against the expectations of others? [03:29]
3. How does the concept of “shalom” (right relationship) go beyond simply being “nice” or avoiding conflict, according to the sermon? [11:25]
4. Why is community emphasized as essential for spiritual growth, especially during times of loneliness or discouragement? [15:05]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt misunderstood or alone while trying to do what you believed God wanted. How did you respond? What could you do differently next time to seek God’s presence or community? [03:29]
2. The sermon challenges us to expand our understanding of love beyond just being “nice.” Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you need to show a more courageous or challenging kind of love? What would that look like? [07:05]
3. Are there areas in your life, church, or community where “niceness” has become a substitute for addressing real issues or pursuing justice? How might you take a step toward honest conversation or action this week? [11:25]
4. David shared about intentionally reading the Gospels and asking, “How is this action loving?” What is one story or teaching of Jesus that challenges your current view of love? How might you let that shape your actions? [06:06]
5. When you feel isolated or discouraged in your faith, what practical steps can you take to connect with others and share your story? Who is someone you could reach out to this week for encouragement or to encourage? [15:05]
6. The sermon used the analogy of darts, suggesting that love doesn’t always look like hitting the “bullseye” of niceness. What is one “unpolished” or unexpected way you could show love to someone this week? [08:13]
7. Jesus’ mission was about redemption and restoration, not just stamping out sin. Where do you sense God inviting you into his bigger story of bringing shalom—in your family, workplace, or neighborhood? What is one step you can take? [14:06]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help you love more like Jesus—sometimes gentle, sometimes bold, always seeking shalom and deeper relationship.

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus’ Love Is Sometimes Unpolished and Provocative
Jesus’ actions in the temple—overturning tables and confronting injustice—show that true love is not always gentle or polite, but sometimes requires boldness and disruption for the sake of righteousness. He challenges the status quo, not out of anger for its own sake, but out of a deep desire for God’s house to be a place of prayer and for people to experience true relationship with God. This side of love may feel uncomfortable or even confusing, but it is a necessary part of God’s character, calling us to a love that is active, courageous, and willing to confront what is wrong for the sake of what is right. [07:40]

Matthew 21:12-13 (ESV)
And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”

Reflection: Where in your life might God be calling you to a more courageous, even uncomfortable, expression of love for the sake of what is right?


Day 2: God’s Mission Is Restoration, Not Just Stamping Out Sin
God’s deepest desire is not simply to eliminate sin, but to bring about redemption, restoration, and the kingdom of right relationship—shalom—on earth. Jesus’ mission was to restore what was broken, to heal, and to invite people into a new way of living that reflects God’s heart. This means that following Jesus is not just about avoiding wrongdoing, but actively participating in God’s work of making things right, both in our own lives and in the world around us. [14:06]

Matthew 21:14 (ESV)
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.

Reflection: What is one area in your life or community where you sense God inviting you to participate in His work of restoration today?


Day 3: Growth in Love Requires Humility and Reorientation
Becoming more loving is not just about knowing what love is, but about the difficult, ongoing process of reorienting our hearts and actions to align with Jesus. Sometimes, this means recognizing that our own understanding of love is incomplete and being willing to let God reshape us—even when it’s uncomfortable or humbling. True growth often comes when we are willing to face our shortcomings, seek God’s help, and allow Him to transform us from the inside out. [12:13]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: In what specific way do you sense God inviting you to let go of your own limited understanding of love and embrace His way today?


Day 4: You Are Not Alone—God Calls Us Into Community
Even Jesus, knowing the loneliness of His mission, surrounded Himself with friends and followers. When we feel alone in our faith journey, God’s remedy is often to draw us into community, where we can share our struggles, joys, and stories. Being part of a community doesn’t always solve every problem, but it reminds us that we are not meant to walk alone, and that God’s presence is often experienced through the love and support of others. [15:05]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to this week to share your journey or invite into deeper community?


Day 5: Jesus Desperately Wants More For You
At the heart of Jesus’ journey to the cross is His deep desire for you—not just to save you from sin, but to bring you into a life of right relationship with God and others. Communion is a reminder that Jesus gave everything so that you would never be alone, and that He is always inviting you into more—more love, more connection, more purpose in His kingdom. No matter where you are today, Jesus’ sacrifice is proof that you are wanted and loved beyond measure. [17:36]

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (ESV)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Reflection: As you remember Jesus’ sacrifice, what is one way you can respond to His invitation for “more” in your relationship with Him this week?

Quotes

Jesus is entering Jerusalem. He is entering in. He knows he is going to be betrayed. He knows he's going to be killed. But all of the crowds around him think like just the opposite. They think he's entering in to be triumphant, to lead them as like a military leader to freedom from the Roman Empire. So these massive crowds around him, Jesus is the only one who actually knows what he's getting into. Imagine how lonely that would feel. [00:03:05] (36 seconds)  #LonelyKnowingTruth Edit Clip

If your neighbor is just having a garbage day, you know, they're trying to make their way from their car to the front, door, and they see you as they pass by. and you just give them a warm smile, you know. That may be like a single five on the dartboard, but that is absolutely still love. [00:10:00] (19 seconds)  #ChoosingActionOverInaction Edit Clip

What about when pursuing shalom requires conflict resolution? What about when pursuing shalom with God makes us come face -to -face with the fact that the way we're acting, sometimes even if acting nice is the way we're acting, that that is going at it wrong. When we have to muster up the humility, the courage to reorient ourselves to the person of Jesus. [00:11:30] (32 seconds)  #ExposingExploitation Edit Clip

I tell myself, if it's really important to God, wouldn't he come in and flip the temple tables of my heart, of my mind? Or maybe if it's really important to God, he's going to bring someone else. And that person is going to be the not nice, not polite person, so that I can stay here in my nice little circle. And maybe that's true, but Jesus' actions in Matthew 21 and 23 are not invitations towards complacency. They're invitations towards growth. [00:12:21] (35 seconds)  #GodsNatureAgainstSin Edit Clip

Jesus is in the temple of Jerusalem, the holy courts of the holy land. But what he's seeing is not holy. It's exploitation. It's exploitation. of worship. It's exploitation for personal gain, and Jesus desperately wants more for his church. [00:12:56] (22 seconds)  #JesusMissionRestoration Edit Clip

But stamping out sin was not Jesus' primary goal when he came here on earth. Redemption, restoration, bringing the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of right relationship, down here on earth. That was Jesus' mission. Jesus desperately wanted more for his people. [00:14:06] (23 seconds)  #AloneIsOkay Edit Clip

If you are feeling alone in your walk with God, I can't say this enough. Surround yourself with community, right? If you're alone, surround yourself with community. That may not solve the base problem, kind of what started your loneliness, but it certainly won't hurt. [00:14:36] (18 seconds)  #JoyAsRemedy Edit Clip

So yes, if you're feeling alone, it's actually, it's okay to be feeling that way. Jesus, who was entering Jerusalem to be killed...but nobody knew it, right? He fell alone. It is okay to be feeling alone. And here at Discovery, we're not a church for only the most spiritual. We're not a church for only the people who have it all together. We are a church for the rest of us. [00:15:54] (30 seconds)  #LivingTheGoodNews Edit Clip

Lastly, if you've been following God on his mission, your journey is valuable. Share your story with someone. Share it with us. You don't need a fancy seminary degree to walk with God, to learn from God, or to tell other people about what you've learned. [00:17:03] (20 seconds) Edit Clip

``Wrapping all of this up, if you do feel alone, always remember God is with you and he is desperately wanting more for you. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, ready for the cross, Jesus wanted more for all of us. [00:17:42] (21 seconds) Edit Clip