Denver Community Church

June 24, 2012: It's No Secret – Michael Hidalgo

Throughout the book of Mark Jesus continually told people to “Not say anything.” This is in regard to healings, miracles, or about his true identity as Messiah. The reader of the gospel is forced to wrestle through this seemingly “cryptic” command. Over the centuries scholars and theologians have referred to this theme in the book as the “Markan Secret.”

In the last verses of the book Jesus, who had been crucified, raises from the dead. Three women discover the empty tomb and are greeted by an angel who tells them what has happened. Finally we see the words “go, tell …” At last! Everyone will know who Jesus is … yet Mark finishes his gospel on a devastating note. “They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. 

This is the final statement for us to consider together. Asking ourselves the question – “Will we go and tell?”

June 17, 2012: Love on the Cross – Michael Hidalgo

There is simply no greater act of love in the history of humankind than that of Jesus hanging, bleeding, and dying on a Roman instrument of torture. In many ways we have sanitized the cross, for in many traditions there is no longer a crucifix just a cross. Yes, we must always remember that Sunday follows Friday, but we must also dwell on Friday. For without the death there is no resurrection. 

What if we place Jesus back on the cross? What would that do to our perception of this? What would that do to the way we view Sunday? As beloved sons and daughters we should tremble and the whole community quake when contemplating the cross and the Friday we call good. Brennan Manning suggests that “organized religion has domesticated the crucified Lord of Glory in to a tame theological symbol. He does not disturb our comfortable piety.”

June 10, 2012: Coronation for a King – Dave Neuhausel

Jesus is condemned to die for claiming a title that, in the minds of the Romans, was not his to claim. He was the “King of the Jews.” As such, in a mocking display the Roman guards decided to mock him and coronate him as king.

June 3, 2012: Order in the Court – Michael Hidalgo

Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin and before the Temple authorities. This is more than a passing detail. If the racket they were running was to remain they had to get rid of this rebel named Jesus. This is what Mark tells us the people at the house of Caiaphas wanted to do. He tells the reader that there was nothing in this trial having to do with justice – only ensuring the death of Jesus. 

During this “trial” witnesses attempt to discredit Jesus and find a reason to get rid of him. In the end it seems that Jesus seals his own fate by speaking what the Sanhedrin found to be “blasphemy.” The irony of course is that it was the Sanhedrin that blasphemed by speaking against Jesus – the Son of God.

May 27, 2012: One Kiss – Michael Hidalgo

Did Judas really betray Jesus, or is it at all possible Jesus betrayed Judas?

What if Judas, in an attempt to remain faithful, actually betrayed Christ?

May 20, 2012: Pressed and Crushed – Michael Hidalgo

Mark gives us a startling picture of how agonizing Jesus’ decision was to obey his father. He was in the place of the “olive press” – a place where olives were pressed and crushed. Jesus is compared to an olive being pressed and crushed with the oil being squeezed out of it. 

Often we abandon the humanity of Jesus and his agony in submitting to his father’s will. This was not an easy prayer to pray, but it was one that Jesus prayed in faith. Mark shows us that no matter how difficult the decision we, through God, have the power to do it. 

May 6, 2012: Bread and Wine – Michael Hidalgo

The meal that is recorded here is a meal that the Church has celebrated for 2,000 years. Some have called it “The Lord’s Supper,” others “Holy Communion,” and most traditionally “Eucharist.” But what does it all mean? Many recognize that it is represents the Body and the Blood of Jesus which was broken and poured out for us, but what should the people of God know?

The meal that Jesus celebrated with his disciples was the traditional Seder meal in which he brought new meaning to the elements of the dinner. Like the Seder the people of God are commanded to “do this in remembrance” of Jesus. We will ask, “What are we remembering?” “Why is the meal so central to all streams in the historic, orthodox church?”

April 29, 2012: Mark 14:1-11 – Michael Hidalgo

There are two stories here. One is about the ultimate faithfulness in the anointing of Jesus by the sinful woman. The other is about the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. There is here, a “sandwich” in which one story informs the other.

April 22, 2012: This is the End Part 2 – Dave Neuhausel

How exactly do we read the words of Jesus? There are so many clues, hints, and details that all seem shrouded in mystery. How are we to take these words? Is it possible that Jesus is simply speaking about the inauguration of his kingdom?

April 15, 2012: This is the End – Michael Hidalgo

There is just so much “doomsday” prophecy these days. From Harold Camping to the Mayan Calendar to the Bestselling Left Behind book series – it seems people want to know how it’s all going to end. Jesus gives a stirring monologue in this chapter, seemingly talking about how it’s all going to go down in the end. Since this time, people have been riveted. 

But why? Why should we care about how it’s all going to end? Does it make any difference whatsoever? The answer is, “yes.” Depending on how we view the world to come has an influence on how we live now – today.