The Parable of the Two Builders

By - Interim Pastor Freddy Cortez, National Capital Bible Church

The Parable Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV)

> "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.

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> 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."

Luke 6:47-49 (NKJV)

> "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.

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> But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

Similar Points

1. Hearing and Doing Jesus' Words

• Matthew 7:24: "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..."

• Luke 6:47: "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like..."

Summary: Both passages emphasize the importance of not just hearing Jesus’ teachings but also acting upon them. The person who does this is compared to a wise builder.

2. Building the House on the Rock

• Matthew 7:24: "...a wise man who built his house on the rock."

• Luke 6:48: "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock."

Summary: In both passages, the wise builder constructs his house on a solid foundation (the rock), representing the stability that comes from obedience to Jesus' teachings.

3. The Storm

• Matthew 7:25: "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."

• Luke 6:48: "And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock."

Summary: Each parable describes a storm that tests the strength of the house built on the rock. In both accounts, the house withstands the storm because it has a solid foundation.

4. Hearing but Not Doing Jesus' Words

• Matthew 7:26: "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..."

• Luke 6:49: "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation..."

Summary: Both passages contrast the wise builder with a foolish one who hears Jesus' words but does not act on them. The foolish builder constructs his house on an unstable foundation (sand or earth without a foundation).

5. The Outcome for the Foolish Builder

- Matthew 7:27: "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

- Luke 6:49: "...against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

Summary: In both parables, the house built on an unstable foundation collapses when the storm comes. The fall is described as great or immediate, emphasizing the severity of the consequences of not acting on Jesus' teachings.

Differences

1. Introduction and Context:

• Matthew: This parable is part of the Sermon on the Mount, summarizing Jesus' extensive teachings.

• Luke: It is part of the Sermon on the Plain, which parallels the Sermon on the Mount but is shorter and more condensed.

2. Foundation Details:

• Matthew 7:24-25: Focuses on the builders as wise or foolish, highlighting the stability of rock versus the instability of sand.

• Luke 6:48: Adds that the wise builder "dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock," emphasizing the effort and thoroughness required for a solid foundation.

3. Language and Imagery:

• Matthew 7:25, 27: Uses "rain," "floods," and "winds" to describe the storm.

• Luke 6:48-49: Focuses on "the flood" and "the stream" beating "vehemently" against the house.

4. Immediate Fall:

• Matthew 7:27: Emphasizes the magnitude of the fall with "And great was its fall."

• Luke 6:49: Stresses both the immediacy and the extent of the destruction with "And immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

Meaning and Impact for Believers

Free Grace Perspective

• Discipleship and Obedience: While salvation is secure through faith, discipleship and obedience are crucial for spiritual growth, fruitful living, and eternal rewards.

Impact on Believers:

1. Emphasis on Obedience and Discipleship:

• Meaning: Hearing and doing Jesus’ words is essential for a stable and fruitful Christian life. This obedience does not secure salvation but rather demonstrates the outworking of faith (faith-rest).

• Impact: Believers should strive to align their lives with Jesus' teachings, to grow spiritually and live effectively for Christ. Churches should emphasize discipleship, encouraging members to apply biblical principles in their daily lives.

2. Building on a Solid Foundation:

• Meaning: A life built on obedience to Jesus' teachings is like a house with a solid foundation. It can withstand life’s trials and challenges.

• Impact: Believers are encouraged to build their lives on the solid rock of Christ by deeply engaging with His teachings and applying them diligently. Churches should provide sound biblical teaching and create environments conducive to spiritual growth.

3. Preparation for Life’s Trials:

• Meaning: Life’s storms are inevitable, but a life grounded in Jesus will stand firm. Obedience to His words equips believers to face and endure these challenges.

• Impact: Believers should be prepared for challenges and rely on their strong foundation in Christ. Churches should equip their members with practical and spiritual tools to navigate life's difficulties, emphasizing the importance of an obedient faith.

4. Consequences of Ignoring Jesus’ Teachings:

• Meaning: While salvation is not lost by ignoring Jesus’ teachings, a life that neglects His words faces instability, potential loss of rewards, and spiritual downfall.

• Impact: Believers must understand the severe consequences of neglecting Jesus' teachings. Their lives may face unnecessary hardship and lack the fullness of God’s blessings. Churches should warn against complacency and emphasize active, obedient faith (application of Bible doctrine).

Conclusion

Differences Highlighted and Their Meanings:

1. Introduction and Context: The different settings (Sermon on the Mount vs. Sermon on the Plain) highlight the comprehensive nature of Jesus’ teachings and their universal applicability.

2. Foundation Details: Matthew’s focus on rock vs. sand shows the clear contrast between wise and foolish choices. Luke’s emphasis on digging deep underscores the effort required for a solid foundation and thorough preparation.

3. Language and Imagery: The varying descriptions of the storm underline that life’s trials come in different forms, all requiring a strong foundation.

4. Immediate Fall: Luke’s emphasis on immediacy adds urgency to the need for obedience. Matthew’s focus on the greatness of the fall underscores the significant consequences of neglecting Jesus’ teachings.

Impact on Believers:

1. Emphasis on Obedience and Discipleship: Churches should teach that while salvation is by grace alone, a stable and fruitful Christian life requires diligent obedience to Jesus’ teachings.

2. Building on a Solid Foundation: Encourage believers to dig deep and build their lives on the solid rock of Christ, fostering a community committed to spiritual growth.

3. Preparation for Life’s Trials: Equip believers to face life’s challenges with a strong, obedient faith, relying on the firm foundation of Jesus’ words.

4. Consequences of Ignoring Jesus’ Teachings: Warn against spiritual complacency and emphasize the importance of living out one’s faith actively to avoid unnecessary hardships and spiritual downfall.

By understanding and applying the lessons from these parables, believers can experience a resilient, stable, and fruitful Christian life grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the church can foster a community that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.

This post was written by Interim Pastor Freddy Cortez of National Capital Bible Church. If you have questions about this post or Christianity in general, please contact us today!