Wise and Foolish Builders - Matthew 7:24-28

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 7:24-28

COMMENTS

When looking at this passage, one must realize that it is not a stand-alone parable, but rather a conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, and should be interpreted in that light.

Some notes about the story. There are 2 men, one who is considered foolish and one who is considered wise. On the outside, they look the same. The comparison is to two houses.The difference is not in the houses themselves, but in the foundation of said houses. You cannot see the basis of the foundation merely by looking at the house, although it is interesting to note that if the house is surrounded by sand, it is most likely built on sand and if it is surrounded by rock, it is most likely built on rock.

The foundation on the rock is the one who hears and does the words Jesus has been preaching. Again, start with the beatitudes and continue up to this parable, His words talk about an attitude behind the actions. You can be proud and give, but Jesus says the poor in spirit inherit the kingdom. You can live in sin and still go to church, but Jesus says the pure in heart shall see God. You can live the whole package, and yet still not have salt in your character or shine a light in the darkness. You can give an offering, but still harbor anger. You can be pure in body and speech, but lust is still present. The list goes on... Unless the heart is producing the behavior, it is not built on the rock, but perhaps just a white-knuckle attempt to avoid the punishment of hell.

The foolish man looks just like the wise man on the outside. Maybe he does not cuss, gives to charity, goes to church, mows his lawn every week, drives an SUV, etc. But the foundation of the actions are weak, or perhaps even non-existent. Many are trying to pay a debt to God that they cannot pay. It is through surrender to Christ that one achieves salvation, not deeds or good works. Yet the ironic thing is, that surrender should and must lead us to deeds and good works! Perhaps this is why it is said that God loves a cheerful giver. He loves the one whose sacrifice is a sacrifice of praise and not an obligation or attempt to pacify God's wrath.