Matthew 7:24-29 | Psalm 37:16-18
This is the end of the sermon on the mountain. It’s a well-known little parable, usually told focused upon the difference between the living situation of the wise and foolish men.
But the point is found in what makes the wise one wise.
“…everybody who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice…”
That is the heart of what Jesus is getting at: practice these words. The original language is actually a bit stronger - “whoever does them.” It’s that simple. If you want to follow in the way of Christ, go and do his commands. Thankfully, his grace exists for the times when we don’t get his words right. But just because we don’t/won’t get them right does not mean that we should not go about trying to do them.
Jesus has set up the faith of his people to be one of action. This faith is not merely a quest to figure out theology and doctrine and the righting of words, though each of these is important or useful. But Jesus in Matthew is determined that the Church will act upon and from within faith.
Thankfully, we are not alone in going about doing Jesus’ work. As you gather with his Church today, lean into the grace and community that is the collection of his people in discipleship, fellowship, worship, and service together.
Matthew 7:24-29
“Everybody who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who built a house on bedrock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house. It didn’t fall because it was firmly set on bedrock. But everybody who hears these words of mine and doesn’t put them into practice will be like a fool who built a house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and beat against that house. It fell and was completely destroyed.”
When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were amazed at his teaching because he was teaching them like someone with authority and not like their legal experts.
Psalm 37:16-18
Better is the little that the righteous have
than the overabundant wealth of the wicked.
The arms of the wicked will be broken,
but the Lord supports the righteous.
The Lord is intimately acquainted
with the lives of the blameless;
their heritage will last forever.
Prayer
God, you have encouraged us to live our lives grounded in faith, patience, and love. Help us to go now and do your work, humbly but surely. By your Spirit & in Christ, Amen.