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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.