Good morning,
This week we conclude our study of the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter 7, Jesus continues teaching His disciple about judging others, the golden rule, entering in at the strait gate, false prophets, false believers, solid foundation, and His ability to teach with authority.
The two foundations (24-27)
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
“Jesus’ sermon concludes with an illustration emphasizing the difference between merely hearing Jesus’ teaching and fully living by it. Those who apply His words are like a wise man who built a house on a rock. Those who don’t are like a foolish man who built a house on sand. When both houses are hit by the same storm, the house on the rock will stand while the house on the sand falls hard. Life brings challenges to all people. The foundations of life, faith, and belief will be tested by those experiences. Only those with faith grounded in something true—which is Christ alone (Acts 4:12)—will endure those storms intact (Matthew 7:24–27).” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-chapter-7.htm)
Where are we grounded? In Jesus and His word? Or in the wisdom of this world.
Choose Jesus!
Jesus taught with authority (28-29)
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
“The crowds were astonished by Jesus’ teaching because He taught with authority. Rather than speaking in half-measures, or referring to the wisdom of others, Christ speaks as One who absolutely knows the truth, first-hand. Not only is the character of Jesus’ life different from that of Israel’s religious leaders (Matthew 5:20), both the style and substance of His teaching are unique, as well (Matthew 7:28–29).” (BibleRef.com/Matthew/7/Matthew-chapter-7.htm)
Are we astonished by Jesus teachings? Will we take and put into practice the things we have learned from our study of the Sermon on the Mount? If so, it will change our lives.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
Leave a Reply