Text: Matthew 7:24-27 (CSB) “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.
We are finishing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. I pray that it has been encouraging and challenging. Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Illustrations. An illustration we said is something that serves to illustrate such as
· A picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive
· An example or instance that helps make something clear
· Something that illustrates, like a picture in a book or magazine.
· A comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.
· The act of clarifying or explaining;
Jesus is in this passage giving us 5 illustrations for what we need, how to treat others, and how to live as a true child of God. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually keeps bringing us back to our motives over our actions. Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. Being the Master Teacher of all times – He has given us what He wants us to learn. And, to close this lesson He is using some illustrations to cement the concepts into our minds – and lives.
And, as He closes this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the final image of the Two Builders. Having worked in the carpenter shop as a young man – He was familiar with building concepts. In this final picture for His disciples to take away from this Magna Carta of His Kingdom – Jesus paints a picture of two builders and their choices.
First, as we dissect this passage we need to see the Structures (verses 24, 26). Jesus points us to the first man, he built his house on solid rock (24). He chose to take the effort to make sure that his building was placed upon a strong foundation. One that would not be moved or shaken. One that would support and protect the house built upon it. He built for the future – not for today only. He did not spare the cost of establishing this base.
The other man built his house on shifting sand (26). He just haphazardly built this house. He gave no thought to the future. He chose whatever was popular at the time. What was today would not be the same tomorrow. It would change with the winds and tides of time – as he would soon find out. IN fact, Jesus takes us to the future of these houses. They were faced with - The Storm (verses 25, 27). Carefully consider that the same storm to hit each builder. One didn’t get hit harder than the other. The storm produced two different results – not by what it did, but because of the choices the builders made before. The house built on the rock stood firm (25). The house built on the sand fell flat (27).
Jesus wants us to see that the choices we make today will establish the results. Build our faith and trust on the firm foundation of Jesus and we will stand. Build it upon the shifting sands of religion, science, man’s wisdom and we will fall. The results are in the choices. Choose wisely.
In the last two verses of this chapter, we see the Sermon’s Impact on His hearers – “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes.” They were astonished (amazed) because He taught with authority (the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege).
Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually brings us back to our motives over our actions.
Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs.
Who we are is more important than what we do in the Kingdom of God.
Consider the choices you are making in this life. How do you see them impacting your future, eternal life?
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