As we enter Holy Week, Pastor Matt reminded us that Palm Sunday is not just about waving palm branches and celebrating a King on a donkey—it’s a moment that asks something of our hearts. He shared personal stories—from childhood Easters with no expectation of gifts to the gratefulness of his children receiving simple birthday presents—that illustrate a key difference: the posture of a heart that simply wants to receive more than a heart that is just waiting for a gift. It’s this posture—of gratitude, awareness, and response—that Jesus was looking for in the people around him as he moved toward the cross. Palm Sunday invites us to reflect: are we merely bystanders to God’s goodness, or are we truly responding in worship?

Through four powerful stories in Luke’s gospel, Matt unpacked how people responded to Jesus as he approached Jerusalem. A blind beggar calls out in faith and is healed. Zacchaeus climbs a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus and ends up hosting him for dinner. A nobleman gives out minas—three months’ wages—and watches as his servants either engage in meaningful business or hide their opportunity out of fear. And finally, a crowd welcomes Jesus into Jerusalem with shouts of praise, while others stand silently skeptical. Each story reveals the same truth: Jesus doesn’t just pass by—he invites a response. Whether through praise, obedience, or repentance, our hearts are called to engage.

The first truth Pastor Matt highlighted is that Jesus is worthy of praise. Not just because of what he’s done, but because of who he is. The miracles, the teachings, the love—these were not random acts, but evidence of a coming King, a nobleman returning to claim his kingdom. And yet, many failed to see it. As Matt pointed out, even creation knows who Jesus is. The hills, the waves, even the rocks would cry out if no one else would. His worthiness is not contingent on our recognition—it simply is. But what a loss it is to miss the opportunity to respond with praise when the King is in our midst.

Still, the second truth is sobering: not everyone will respond. Some will refuse to worship, not because they haven’t seen enough, but because their hearts remain hard. The parable of the minas makes this plain—while some take what they’ve been given and multiply it, others hide it out of fear or apathy. The difference isn’t in what they received—it’s in their heart posture. As Romans 1 declares, God’s nature is made clear through creation, yet people still trade his glory for lesser things. The warning here is not just about unbelievers “out there,” but a caution to each of us: are we responding to the goodness of God with joy, or are we withholding our hearts out of fear, distraction, or pride?

The final truth Pastor Matt shared is this: true worship is actionable. It starts in the heart, yes—but it doesn’t end there. Praise becomes obedience. Gratitude becomes movement. The nobleman in the parable didn’t just want his servants to admire the gift; he wanted them to do something with it. And so does Jesus. But here’s the beautiful twist: we’re not left to muster it up on our own. As Ezekiel 36 promises, God offers us a new heart—a heart of flesh, not stone. Before we can do the work of God, we must be transformed by the presence of God. So this Easter, before we go and proclaim, may we go and be still. Before we speak, may we listen. Before we act, may we lay ourselves—our whole selves—on the altar and say, “Lord, start here.”

Discussion Questions

1. Heart Posture Check
   Pastor Matt highlighted the difference between someone with a heart to receive versus someone who’s just looking for the gift. How can we tell the difference in our own spiritual lives? What does a grateful, receptive heart look like in your relationship with God?
2. Response vs. Rejection
   In the stories leading to the Triumphal Entry, some people responded to Jesus with praise and action, while others resisted or rejected Him. Which character do you most relate to right now—Bartimaeus, Zacchaeus, one of the servants, or the silent Pharisees—and why?
3. Is Jesus Worthy… To You?
   Pastor Matt said that Jesus’ worthiness is not up for debate—He is worthy, whether or not we acknowledge it. How does this truth challenge or encourage you? What are some specific ways your life could reflect His worth more clearly this week?
4. Fear or Faith?
   The third servant in the parable buried his mina out of fear and misunderstood the character of the nobleman. In what ways might fear be holding you back from fully engaging in God’s calling on your life? How can you begin to move forward in faith instead?
5. Worship That Works
   The sermon closed with the idea that true worship must be actionable—it starts with the heart but shows up in obedience. What does “engaging in the Father’s business” look like in your daily life? Are there any areas where God is nudging you to step out in obedience?