The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders

Who is God? And Can I Really Know Him? 

Biblical Worldview of God and Truth

Over the next school year in Impact Kids will be learning about how to build a FOUNDATION on God and His Word so that when the storms of life come we will not be shaken!

I want to encourage you, as a parent, to join us in this journey and talk about these Biblical principles with your kids. I (Mandy Boggs) will be posting things on this blog for you to talk about with your kids as well as giving handout papers that can be done at home together. 

Jesus told those who had gathered on the mountainside, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice words of mine is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose. 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

Jesus taught many truths using stories called parables. These parable are recorded in the New Testament books we call the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders shows us the importance of building our lives on God the Rock and His Word. God and His Word are like the rock under the wise builder's house. When we know and love and obey God's Word, our hearts and minds will be strong like a well-constructed home built on a strong foundation. You see, it's not enough to just hear God's words. Jesus says we also need to follow His Word and make it the building plan for our lives.

Why? Because life is not always easy. As the weather changes with the seasons, we enjoy winter wonderlands, followed by the freshness of spring, the warmth of the summer sun, and beautiful autumn colors. But these same seasons sometimes bring with them crippling blizzards, violent thunderstorms, damaging droughts, and devastating hurricanes. Likewise, even the most devoted follower of God will experience the occasional storm in life - fear, temptation, disappointment, failure, and more. BUT if you built your life of the Rock, if you have made it a habit to love God and to know and obey His Word, then when the storms of life do hit, you can stand strong!

Family Talk Time:
1) Why wound't you want to build your house on top of sand?
2) What does "sand" represent in the Bible? (Worldly wisdom and ways)
3) What kinds of "storms" may come into your life?
4) What will happen if you do not build your life on the Rock of God and His Word?

Words to Know: 
Parable - A short story that contains biblical truth for our lives
Foundation - The concrete or stone structure that supports a building from beneath
The Rock of God - God and His Word
Wisdom - Knowing, loving, and obeying God and applying that knowledge to make good decisions

Hide it in your heart:
"For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?" 2 Samuel 22:32

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." Deuteronomy 32:4

Credit to John Hay and David Webb from the What We Believe "Who is God?" curriculum