Introduction
The parable of the Two Housebuilders is found both in Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:46-49.
The Story
"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. 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. 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and
beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:24-27, New International Version).
"Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and
hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the
foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a
foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete." (Luke 6:46-49, New International Version).
The climate in Palestine is like Southern California in many ways. Riverbeds are dry most of the year, except when
winter and spring rains come, followed by floods. (BEACON BIBLE COMMENTARY, MATTHEW, By Ralph Earle, p. 90).
The picture is a sandy area on which two housebuilders each build a house. They appear the same, except that one dug down to bedrock (Greek text, PETRA) and placed his foundation on that. The other built his house on top of the sand. Apparently one built his house on the sand (1) to avoid work and (2) because he was short-sighted. (Barclay, DAILY STUDY BIBLE SERIES, LUKE, p. ?).
The Interpretation
Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount with this parable.
Jesus took two figures, rock and sand, and the subject He was illustrating was the importance of foundation in building life. It has reference to the whole Manifesto (Sermon on the Mount) and to all the teaching that had preceded it.
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Every man is building something. He is building something into which he can go and live, that will create for him a refuge, a place of rest, a home for his soul. (Morgan, NOTES ON THE PARABLES AND METAPHORS OF OUR LORD, p. 29).
The characters and symbols of the story and the persons and things that they represent in reality are:
1. First Housebuilder Christian
2. Second Housebuilder Unbeliever
3. Rock Christ and His Teachings
4. Sand Substitutes for God and His Word
5. House Crash Failure During A Crisis
Jesus was an expert (1) in the Scripture and (2) in life. [He was also a carpenter]. Jesus demanded two things of us through this parable: (1) We must listen to him, and (2) We must do: obedience. (Barclay, DAILY STUDY BIBLE SERIES, MATTHEW, p. ?). In Luke's account above, Jesus emphasized that it is not enough to call him "Lord," that is, make a profession of faith in him without obedience. The trials and crises of life come to all people. Jesus said that those who hear and heed his Word will stand firm during the storms of life. Those who merely hear and do not heed his Word will be devastated. Carr comments:
Both classes of men hear the word. .... Moreover the two houses have externally the same appearance. The great day of trial shows the difference. (Carr, CAMBRIDGE GREEK TESTAMENT FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
MATTHEW, by A. Carr, pp. 142-143).
The greatest crisis of life will come when we must face our Maker. If we have listened to God's written Word and obeyed him by accepting the Written Word (The Lord Jesus Christ) into our hearts, we will stand justified in the presence of God. If we have heard the Gospel and have rejected Christ as our Lord and Savior, then we will be
devastated.
Central Truth
GOD REQUIRES THAT WE LISTEN TO HIM AND THAT WE OBEY HIM.
Conclusion
If we listen to God and obey him as a lifestyle, we have fulfilled what Jesus was teaching in this parable. If we listen to him and do not do his will, then there are at least three possible problems:
(1) We have rejected truth:
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.... Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:19,22, New International Version).
(2) We have only mental assent, a substitute for Biblical faith. Or, (3) We have genuine faith but are not exercising it.
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