Reading the Word

Matthew 7:24–27 (ESV)

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Parallel Text: Luke 6:47-49

Understanding and Applying the Word

Jesus uses an illustration contrasting two houses. One house is built on a rock. It has a firm foundation and is able to withstand the rains and the wind. Another house is built on sand. When the rains and the wind come against it, the water and the wind will cause the house to collapse.

Jesus uses this illustration to contrast the different responses to his teaching. Those who hear him and respond to his teaching through obedience are like the house built on the rock. They will stand. It is not enough to just hear or even to hear and understand, but it is the person who hears Jesus’ words and “does them.” In contrast, those who do not respond to Jesus will be destroyed.

The winds and the rains are a picture of the coming judgment. We are told throughout Scripture that God will judge the world because of sin. We are also told that we all stand condemned because we are all sinners. Jesus’ preaching tells us that if we repent and trust in him, we will be forgiven and will not be judged, but have eternal life. Have you turned to Christ in repentance and faith? Have you built your house on the true Rock?

**If you enjoy reading Shaped by the Word, please consider sharing this post on social media. Doing so helps us reach a larger audience. Thanks for reading!