Matthew 7:24 (ESV) … “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Jesus’ true followers not only hear his words, but they act on his words, allowing his message to make a difference in their lives. The key to this parable (as with all parables) is the central message, not the peripheral details. In this teaching, Jesus explained that his true followers, by acting on his words, are like a wise man who built his house on rock.
The one who builds “on rock” is a hearing, responding disciple, not a phony, superficial one. The apostle James would later write, “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing” (James 1:22–25 nrsv).
Some athletes can “talk” a great game, but that tells you nothing about their athletic skills. And not everyone who talks about heaven belongs to God’s kingdom. Jesus is more concerned about our “walk” than our “talk.” He wants us to do right, not just say the right words. Your house (which represents your life, 7:24) will withstand the storms of life only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it. Some people wonder if they are really Christians. If that’s you—start acting like one. Some people jabber about their intense faith. If that’s you—just show your faith in faithful living. [1]
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