Pastor Ernie’s Palm Sunday sermon “The Three Responses” (taken from Luke 19:28-40) explores the varied reactions to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and challenges believers to examine their own responses to His lordship.

The religious leaders rejected Jesus, cautious of His claims and unwilling to heed His warnings about their lifestyle. The followers and disciples, meanwhile, sought a king to fulfil their political or personal ambitions – liberation from Roman rule or shared power – projecting their expectations onto Him. In contrast, the donkey humbly carried Jesus without agenda, symbolising the only correct response: submitting fully to Christ’s will.

This sermon urges us to avoid worshipping a version of God shaped by personal desires, which amounts to idolatry. Instead, we are called to let Jesus be who He is, surrendering control of every area of our lives – marriage, finances, work, and ambitions. Growth in faith means releasing attachment to worldly success, wealth, or fame and trusting Jesus to lead us toward His eternal purposes, even when it challenges our comfort or preconceived notions.