When Jesus Confronts Our Independence
“Partially agreeing with God is total rebellion. It is all or nothing.” — Pastor Matthew Johnson
In this message from Matthew 21, Pastor Matthew Johnson shows how Jesus lovingly confronts our desire for independence and self-rule. Our world teaches us to value autonomy and to resist authority, but Jesus offers a better way. Through the parable of the wicked tenants, Pastor Matthew reveals that the path to peace begins with surrender, trusting the One who made us, loves us, and calls us into obedience.
The Struggle With Authority
Pastor Matthew opened with humor, sharing how a frozen Coke story at home turned into a reflection on culture. He pointed out that, as Americans, we are taught from an early age to resist authority. It’s woven into our history and our identity. We celebrate independence, personal rights, and self-determination. But that same mindset can make it hard to fully trust God’s authority.
While questioning authority can be wise at times, Pastor Matthew reminded us that it becomes dangerous when we bring that same skepticism into our relationship with God. Many believers pick and choose which commands to obey, seeing that as balance or wisdom. Yet Jesus’ call to follow Him begins with full surrender.
When Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily,” He was saying that following Him means giving up control.
While questioning authority can be wise at times, Pastor Matthew reminded us that it becomes dangerous when we bring that same skepticism into our relationship with God. Many believers pick and choose which commands to obey, seeing that as balance or wisdom. Yet Jesus’ call to follow Him begins with full surrender.
When Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily,” He was saying that following Him means giving up control.
The Parable That Reveals Our Hearts
In Matthew 21:33–46, Jesus tells the story of a vineyard owner who leased his land to tenants. When he sent servants to collect his share, they beat and killed them. Finally, he sent his son, and they killed him too.
The crowd easily saw the evil in the story, but Pastor Matthew explained that this parable was not just about the religious leaders, it was about all of us. Like the tenants, we often want the benefits of relationship with God without actually submitting to Him.
Through the story, Jesus exposes the heart of rebellion: wanting control while rejecting the Master’s authority. And yet, even after rejection, the Master continues to reach out, a picture of God’s patience and mercy.
The crowd easily saw the evil in the story, but Pastor Matthew explained that this parable was not just about the religious leaders, it was about all of us. Like the tenants, we often want the benefits of relationship with God without actually submitting to Him.
Through the story, Jesus exposes the heart of rebellion: wanting control while rejecting the Master’s authority. And yet, even after rejection, the Master continues to reach out, a picture of God’s patience and mercy.
God the Creator and Designer
Pastor Matthew reminded the church that the story begins with a Creator. God is the One who planted the vineyard, who gave life and purpose. From Genesis 1 to Psalm 139, Scripture declares that every person was formed with care and intention.
“You are not an accident,” Pastor Matthew said. “You were purposely designed by the Creator.” God created not just our lives but the days we live in, giving both meaning and direction.
When we resist His authority, we lose the joy of walking in that purpose. When we submit, we discover that the One who designed us knows what’s best for us. True freedom is not found in control, it’s found in surrender.
“You are not an accident,” Pastor Matthew said. “You were purposely designed by the Creator.” God created not just our lives but the days we live in, giving both meaning and direction.
When we resist His authority, we lose the joy of walking in that purpose. When we submit, we discover that the One who designed us knows what’s best for us. True freedom is not found in control, it’s found in surrender.
God the Redeemer
As Jesus told the story, He was also foreshadowing His own death. The Son sent by the Father would be rejected and killed by the very people He came to save. Yet this act of rejection would become the foundation of redemption.
Pastor Matthew explained that God’s mercy doesn’t end at our rebellion. Instead, He runs toward us, offering forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice. God doesn’t demand submission to crush us, He calls for surrender to restore us.
Pastor Matthew explained that God’s mercy doesn’t end at our rebellion. Instead, He runs toward us, offering forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice. God doesn’t demand submission to crush us, He calls for surrender to restore us.
God the Judge
The message also carries a warning. God is the Creator, the Designer, and the Redeemer, but He is also the Judge. Pastor Matthew reminded the church that there are consequences when we resist God’s authority. Sometimes that judgment comes through discipline in this life, and other times it will come in eternity.
But even God’s judgment flows from love. Like a good parent who corrects a child, God disciplines to bring His people back to life and truth. Those who continue to reject His authority will face the weight of that choice, but those who repent will experience His grace.
But even God’s judgment flows from love. Like a good parent who corrects a child, God disciplines to bring His people back to life and truth. Those who continue to reject His authority will face the weight of that choice, but those who repent will experience His grace.
When Jesus Confronts Us
The sermon closed with an invitation for reflection. Could this parable be about us? Are there places in our lives where Jesus has spoken, and we’ve delayed obedience?
When Jesus confronts our independence, He isn’t condemning us, He’s inviting us closer.
His goal isn’t control; it’s relationship. True freedom isn’t found in self-rule but in surrendering to the One who rules with love and wisdom.
Pastor Matthew ended by praying that the Holy Spirit would convict and comfort us, helping us surrender every part of our lives, our thoughts, goals, and choices, into the hands of our Creator. Because the safest place to live truly is a life in full surrender to Him.
When Jesus confronts our independence, He isn’t condemning us, He’s inviting us closer.
His goal isn’t control; it’s relationship. True freedom isn’t found in self-rule but in surrendering to the One who rules with love and wisdom.
Pastor Matthew ended by praying that the Holy Spirit would convict and comfort us, helping us surrender every part of our lives, our thoughts, goals, and choices, into the hands of our Creator. Because the safest place to live truly is a life in full surrender to Him.
The Tree Church
The Tree Church has campuses in Lancaster and Logan, Ohio, where people come together every Sunday at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM for worship and teaching. We’re focused on helping people build strong relationships and grow in faith.
If you’re searching for a church in Lancaster or a church in Logan, come join us this Sunday, bring your family, invite a friend, and experience the love of God.
- Lancaster Campus – 721 N Memorial Dr, Lancaster, OH 43130
- Logan Campus – 36 Hocking Mall, Logan, OH 43138
If you’re searching for a church in Lancaster or a church in Logan, come join us this Sunday, bring your family, invite a friend, and experience the love of God.
Posted in Sermons
Recent
Archive
2025
January
A New Heart and SpiritSowing in Tears, Reaping in JoyFrom the Pit to a New SongNo Other God's Before MeSeek First the KingdomStoring Treasures in HeavenServing One MasterTrusting God with EverythingThe Power of InfluenceRelationships That InfluenceFinding Godly FriendsIron Sharpens IronSpeaking Truth In LovePrioritizing God's PresenceChoosing the Better PortionLiving With Eternal PerspectiveCreating Margin For God's PurposesBearing Fruit Through AbidingReleasing the Past, Embracing God's FutureTransformed By God's LoveOur Past And A Hope For A FutureEmbracing Our New Identity In ChristRunning The Race Of Perseverance
February
Generosity Begins With PriorityThe Heart of GivingTithing as an Act of FaithThe Blessing of GenerosityTrusting God's FaithfulnessSeeing Yourself Through Jesus' EyesThe Power of Jesus' CallFrom Broken to BlessedEmpowered for PurposeHope for the FutureGod Knows Your NeedBringing Your Needs to JesusFaith in the Face of ImpossibilityJesus' Power Over Death and DiseaseTestimony of God's FaithfulnessCreated For A PurposeCompassion In ActionOvercoming Fear To Share HopeMeeting Needs To Show LoveAnswering the Call
March
HosannaWhat a MiracleI Speak Jesus InhabitJesus Over EverythingThe Risky Call of DiscipleshipGod's Presence in Our VulnerabilityThe Sword of TruthThe Power of Small Acts of KindnessEnduring Faith in the Face of AdversityGod's Perfect TimingAnswering the CallEmpowered for ServiceEmbracing God's Greater PurposeFaithfulness in TrialsAnswering God's CallOvercoming Doubt and FearPerseverance in ObedienceGod's Faithfulness in Our JourneyMountaintop Experiences and Everyday Faith The Danger of Covetousness
April
Trust in God's ProvisionInvesting in God's KingdomThe Deceitfulness of WealthLiving for EternityTrusting God's TimingWalking in Bold FaithObedience When It’s HardThe Power of Your InfluenceRemembering God’s GoodnessThe King We NeedThe Exchange of InnocenceFrom Death to LifeTrue Freedom in ChristThe Power of Sacrificial LoveThe Relentless Love of the Good ShepherdCelebrating the FoundThe Father’s Unconditional LoveThe Heart of JesusHope in God's Unfailing LoveUnmet Expectations and God's LoveFaith in the Midst of ConfusionThe Power of God's Presence
May
Hope Beyond Present CircumstancesTrusting God's Love in SufferingSeeing God’s Hand ClearlyRekindling Your Spiritual FireLearning to Trust the TeacherLoving God Through ActionGrowing Through CorrectionPosture of DependenceReceiving the InvitationWalking the Hard but Holy RoadFreedom Through GraceAnchored in PeaceEmbracing the Rhythm of RestReframing the Sabbath Through Jesus
No Comments