Denver Community Church Denver Community Church

Lead Pastor Michael Hidalgo reads a heartfelt letter to the people of Denver Community Church, announcing his transition off of staff over the next 13 months. To view more information about our 13-month succession planning process, click here.

Meals were far more than simple “get-togethers” in Jesus’ day. They meant connection, identification and even went as far as meaning approval of the other. It is at a meal with some religious folks that Jesus tells a stunning parable about the inclusiveness of God’s heart. And what other story to tell at a meal than a story about a meal?
Jesus’ story tells a story about a king hosting a banquet and those who end up at the table are not those who everyone expected at the table. More than that, those who are supposed to be at the table are no longer welcome at the table.
This story reflects Jesus’ ministry while he was on earth. Always eating and spending time with the wrong people as a way of showing people that all are welcome at God’s table. This is not how we typically think. We often think about who is allowed at God’s table and we leave that decision up to our standards and regulations. Perhaps we need to ask – how big is God’s table?

In this teaching, we discuss our insatiable desire for more in contrast with Jesus’ exhortation to pursue less.  There is a subtle image Luke deals here about this man who is suffering, whose particular illness was associated with craving and desire. When he is healed, Jesus then speaks about the craving for status and prestige that exists among those left at the table: the pursuit of this sort of thing will only end in humiliation. Jesus says that instead one should seek the low places, the humble places, and at the same time have a high view of others who are often relegated to the low places by those in places of status. This is where the values of the Kingdom begin to show. It is upside down compared to the values of the prevailing culture about working our way to the top.
NOTE: The audio during the first 30 seconds is distorted due to a capture issue on our end. At just after 30 seconds, you will receive clearer audio. 

The Pharisees, often seen as opponents of Jesus give him a warning about a mutual enemy, Herod Anitpas. He apparently wants Jesus dead. Jesus’ reply is not one of flattery, referring to him as a fox. In rabbinic literature, the fox was a contrast to the mighty lion, connected to deception and preying on the “chicks” to which Jesus refers. Jesus stands firm declaring what he is called to do, come what may. 
His resolve then gives way to sorrow as he cries out, “ … how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate.” This cry echoes the words found on the lips of Hecuba in the work of Euripides penned some 500 years before. A cry of lament upon seeing the city of Troy destroyed. This points toward the prophetic word Jesus speaks, his understanding that Jerusalem, like Troy will be destroyed. And Jesus’ response? Sorrow for all of those who call Jerusalem home. 
In our current cultural moment, “speaking truth to power” often comes with an edge. This in contrast with the heart we see in Jesus – one that is broken and heavy for others. Maybe this is the picture we need to grapple with asking ourselves if we have sorrow for others in the manner and the way Jesus did. 

When we first encounter the wounds of Jesus, it is horrific. He is crucified. Nails are hammered through his flesh, tearing fibers as they are forced through his hands and feet. This, of course, to hold him in place as he hangs on the cross spiraling toward death. After he breathes his last, a soldier approaches him and thrusts a spear into his side, from that wound blood and water flow. These wounds are what lead to his death. 
Three days later, Jesus is raised from the dead, still bearing these wounds. But now, somehow, these wounds that lead to his death and the wounds that bring us life. “By his wounds we are healed …” says the prophet, Isaiah. It’s no wonder then that Jesus points to these wounds, inviting Thomas to touch them, and when he does touch them, they lead to his belief. This teaches us that Resurrection does not deny death. It embraces it. It takes it seriously. It does not say, “Everything will be fine.” Resurrection says, “Everything will be transformed.” 

Jesus is paraded through the streets to Golgatha. Once there, he is nailed to the execution stake where passersby hurl insults at him and mock him. Crucifixion was not just the most horrific forms of execution ever created, it was designed to be humiliating as well; this is why crucifixions were such public affairs. For those who wanted Jesus dead all along, they now had the chance to watch this man - who seemingly attempted to upset the prevailing order – die. But for some reason that was not enough. So they mocked him, laughing in the midst of his suffering.
But in the midst of it all, the writer is whispering to us that it is precisely because he is king, because he will rebuild the temple, because he refused to save himself that he is saving others – these are the very reasons he stayed on that damned cross. This, proclaims the crucified Christ, is what the love of God looks like.  In this teaching, we will seek to understand at a deepening level why Jesus stayed on that cross.