24. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." 28. When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29. because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
The parable of the wise and foolish man indicates some similarities between the two. Jesus compared them to people who hear his message. It is easy to nod in agreement with the Sermon on the Mount, but these are powerful truths.
Each man saw the need of a house and built one. There are quality-made homes and those which are quickly put together. They might look the same from the outside. So, what might be the same is the outward appearance.
The implication is both the wise and the foolish men heard the message. Being a hearer is better than not listening at all. There are many people who are not even hearers. Some have no opportunity because we haven’t obeyed the Lord and evangelized our world. Some have no one to tell them and we must promote missions and evangelism. The call to missions and evangelism is to give everyone a chance to hear.
I think we have many church attenders that hear the message of Jesus repeatedly. They may be part of the church, part of a congregation, part of the fellowship. From outward appearances you cannot notice any difference.
That is how it is with people looking for religion. But everyone needs a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All other beliefs and practices are counterfeit.
There are other similarities. The floods came and smote the houses. Here in a very literal sense rains came down, the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against the houses. Each description is built on the previous one. Both experiences are similar. I am reminded of the verse. “the Lord causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust” There is no religious discrimination.
Jesus is not telling us how to find a safe, comfortable setting. What He is telling us is that we must face reality, that life is difficult. I wish I could tell you to be a Christian is to have little problems.
Application: Ponder this: The stream and river broke against both houses. What they built was being threatened individually. Hard times came. The storm did not pass over either home.
Prayer: Lord, as I meditate on this message, I remind myself that no matter what happens, You are always with me, that You will never leave or forsake me.
