Denver Community Church

February 22, 2012: Ash Wednesday – Michael Hidalgo

February 19, 2012: A Vision for DCC – Michael Hidalgo

There is something about religion that is almost competitive. We all seem to want to appear good, right, attractive, and “holy” in our own way. This is often the result of submitting ourselves to “group think” or accepted collective thinking. This is what Jesus points out about the “religious” in his day. As soon as the words leave his lips, an illustration happens right in front of them. Two offerings: one big but small and one small but big.

Many immediately want to contrast this woman’s faithfulness in giving all she had. And we should, for Jesus points to her faith. But some suggest a dark side to this story given Jesus’ declaration about the religious “devouring widows’ houses.” There is a sense that there is something wrong

February 12, 2012: David's Son – Michael Hidalgo

Imagine telling and retelling a story that you knew nothing about. This is more than talking about the good ‘ol days. This is telling a story about a legendary king named David. Yet as you talked about him you felt the breath of the Romans over your shoulder. At the same time, you had to tell these stories, because you knew that one day a son of David would come, and things would be like they used to be. 

Jesus asks a question as to whether or not the Messiah would in fact be the Son of David. He seems to say no. Not in the sense of one who is descended from David, but more so in the sense that the Messiah would not be like David – a warrior king who was known for being a “man of blood.” Jesus quotes this Psalm pointing out that he in fact is David’s Lord. He is not just different, he is greater.

February 5, 2012: The Greatest – Michael Hidalgo

Central to the Jewish people is the prayer/confession found in Deuteronomy 6 called the shema – from the Hebrew word “hear.” This is the first word of the prayer. By saying this, one was “taking on the Kingdom of heaven.” Taking on the Kingdom is the foundational and first step toward living the commandments. This is why Jesus’ reply reflects that the shema is the most important command. In living out this command we submit ourselves to the rule and reign of God – which as Jesus knew is the basis for obedience to all the commandments.

January 29, 2012: Redeeming Our Work – Brian Gray

January 22, 2012: Living Dead – Michael Hidalgo

How are we to understand resurrection?

January 15, 2012: Images – Michael Hidalgo

For so long tradition has taught that this passage suggests to us a “split” way of looking at life. It has been commonly understood to refer to politics and religion as two separate spheres. These verses have historically been used by monarchs and governments to demand full loyalty to them – for they are to “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s.”

However, when we read this story in context Jesus is by no means making any commentary about the way one approaches their specific government. Rather Jesus seems to be saying that “everything belongs to God” which means then, that nothing really belongs to Caesar. 

January 8, 2012: Taking the Vineyard Back – Michael Hidalgo

This parable of Jesus cuts to the core of his reason for coming to earth. He points out that those who are in leadership are perpetrating a system of utter corruption. They are like wolves who are destroying the sheep. Like greedy tenants who are unwilling to give up the vineyard that was never their anyway. 

Jesus “steps into the pulpit” as a prophet. In referencing the “vineyard” he is speaking openly about the people of Israel (Isa 5). The tenants then are the ones responsible for it, and they are the ones that will be dealt with. Throughout the prophets there are messages from God telling the corrupt / oppressive leaders they will be judge. Jesus says, “Now is the time.”

January 1, 2012: Beneath the Surface – Dave Neuhausel

One of the best ways to respond to a difficult question is with a better one.  This is one of those instances where Jesus performs one of his signature jedi mind tricks – a classic bait and switch.  Jesus is responding to an insincere question from some of his enemies who are only trying to trap and condemn him.  

But Jesus is not just reversing the dialogue back on his critics in order to simply expose and embarrass them, he is artfully changing the conversation.  Jesus always takes what we offer on the surface, our good and bad intentions alike, and draws out and reveals our deepest desires and hiddenness.  He takes our small ideas and points to the Big Idea behind it…  One might call this subversive…

December 24, 2011: Christmas Eve – Michael Hidalgo