“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Matthew 7:24-29
Jesus’ final illustration in this Scripture asks us this question. Upon what are we building our lives? Those who hear and obey Jesus’ teaching will be able to stand and persevere when the storms of life come upon them. Because their lives are built upon the foundation of Christ, true believers will endure till the end.
Those who hear the message and refuse to obey it will suffer the consequences. Since their lives are built upon the temporary foundation of this world, their lives will suffer destruction when troubles and trials overtake them. When the foundation is lacking, the structure will eventually fall.
The end of Jesus’ teaching spark two reactions from the crowd. First, they were astonished. No one had ever taught and captivated an audience like the Lord Jesus. His teaching is simple and yet powerful and life-changing.
They were also impressed by Jesus’ authority. He did not appeal to the authority of others. He grounded what He taught in the fact that He is the final judge and authority. No other authority was needed.
True saving faith will result in change. Your desires will be changed, your life focus will be changed and your salvation will result in right living. Believers will not be perfect. But, true Christians will seek faithful obedience to the Word of God.
Tony French
mrtonyfrench 