Good morning, beloved family of God. It's a joy to gather in this sacred space, a place where we can pause from the hustle and bustle of life, to drink deeply from the well of God's Word. We are here to seek His wisdom, to find comfort in His promises, and to be transformed by His truth. And today, we have the privilege of turning our hearts and minds to one of the most profound passages in the New Testament - Matthew 7:24-27.
Before we immerse ourselves in these verses, let's remind ourselves of the words of the revered Christian author, J.I. Packer, who once said, "The Bible is God preaching." Isn't that a beautiful thought? As we open God's Word today, let's remember that we are not just reading an ancient text, but we are hearing God's voice speaking directly into our lives.
"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
In these verses, Jesus paints a vivid picture of two builders, two foundations, and two outcomes. It's a parable that challenges us to examine the foundation of our lives. Are we building our lives on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings? Or are we constructing our existence on the shifting sands of worldly wisdom?
[Title: The Bible is Historically Accurate]
The Bible has proven to be more historically and archaeologically accurate than any other ancient book. It has been subjected to the minutest scientific textual analysis possible to humanity and has been proven to be authentic in every way.
Today, we will be focusing on three main points: the historical context of Matthew 7:24-27, the historical credibility of the Bible, and the historical Jesus as depicted in the Bible. As we navigate these points, may we be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, may we be willing to wrestle with difficult questions, and may we be eager to grow in our understanding and faith.
Historical Context of Matthew 7:24-27
In the days when Jesus walked the earth, life was very different from what we know today. People lived in simple homes, often made from readily available materials. The parable of the wise and foolish builders would have resonated deeply with the people of that time. They understood the importance of a strong foundation. They knew the devastating effects of a storm on a poorly built house. This was a reality they lived with.
The people Jesus was speaking to were familiar with the harsh weather conditions in their region. They knew how torrential rains could cause flash floods, turning calm streams into raging torrents. They understood the destructive power of the wind, which could easily topple a poorly constructed house. Jesus used this familiar scenario to teach a profound spiritual truth.
In the same way, we too must understand the context in which we find this parable. It is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that turned the conventional wisdom of the day on its head. Jesus challenged his listeners to think differently about their faith, their relationships, and their priorities. He called them to a higher standard of living, one that was grounded in love, humility, and obedience to God.
This parable, like the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, was a radical departure from the religious teachings of the day. The religious leaders of Jesus' time were more concerned with outward appearances and strict adherence to the law. But Jesus taught that true faith was a matter of the heart. It was not enough to simply hear his words; one had to put them into practice. This was the difference between the wise and foolish builders.
Understanding the historical context of this passage helps us to grasp its full meaning. It is a call to action, a challenge to live out our faith in tangible ways. It is a reminder that our actions reveal the true state of our hearts. It is an invitation to build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus' teachings, knowing that when the storms of life come, we will not be shaken.
Now, let's consider the significance of the two foundations in the parable. The rock and the sand represent two different approaches to life. The rock represents a life built on the teachings of Jesus, a life of obedience to God's Word. The sand, on the other hand, represents a life built on worldly wisdom, a life that disregards God's Word.
The rock is a symbol of stability and permanence. It is not easily moved or shaken. A house built on rock can withstand the harshest storms. This is a picture of a life grounded in God's Word. When we build our lives on the teachings of Jesus, we can weather any storm that comes our way. We may face trials and tribulations, but we will not be overcome.
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
The sand, on the other hand, is a symbol of instability and impermanence. It is easily shifted and moved. A house built on sand is vulnerable to the elements. It cannot withstand the storms of life. This is a picture of a life built on worldly wisdom. Such a life may appear stable and secure in calm weather, but when the storms come, it quickly falls apart.
The choice of foundation is a critical one. It determines the stability and durability of the house. In the same way, the foundation upon which we build our lives determines our ability to withstand the storms of life. If we choose to build on the rock of Jesus' teachings, we can face any challenge with confidence and hope. But if we choose to build on the sand of worldly wisdom, we will find ourselves ill-prepared for the trials and tribulations that come our way. The Word of God is a constant, while worldly wisdom itself shifts and changes…not very solid to me.
The parable of the wise and foolish builders is a powerful reminder of the importance of the choices we make. It challenges us to consider the foundation of our lives. Are we building on the rock of Jesus' teachings, or are we building on the sand of worldly wisdom? The answer to this question has profound implications for our lives.
Finally, let's consider the role of the storm in the parable. The storm represents the trials and tribulations of life. It is a symbol of the challenges and difficulties we all face. The storm tests the strength and stability of the house. It reveals the quality of the foundation.
In the same way, the storms of life test the strength and stability of our faith. They reveal the quality of our spiritual foundation. When we face trials and tribulations, our true character is revealed. Our response to these challenges shows whether we have built our lives on the rock of Jesus' teachings or the sand of worldly wisdom.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations,
knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
The storm is not a punishment or a sign of God's disapproval. It is a natural part of life. We all face storms, regardless of our faith or lack thereof. The difference lies in how we respond to these storms. If we have built our lives on the rock of Jesus' teachings, we can face these challenges with confidence and hope. But if we have built our lives on the sand of worldly wisdom, we will be overwhelmed and defeated.
The parable of the wise and foolish builders is a powerful reminder of the importance of building our lives on the right foundation. It challenges us to examine our hearts and to consider the choices we are making. It invites us to build our lives on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings, so that we can withstand the storms of life.
Historical Credibility of the Bible
As we continue to engage with Matthew 7:24-27, we find ourselves stepping into the realm of historical credibility. The Bible, as we know it, is not just a collection of spiritual truths or moral guidelines. It is a historical document, bearing witness to real events, real people, and real places.
The first aspect that we need to consider is the authenticity of the biblical texts. The Bible we have today is a result of meticulous transcription by dedicated scribes over centuries. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the 20th century, include fragments from every book of the Old Testament, except Esther. These fragments, dated from the third century BC to the first century AD, match remarkably well with the Masoretic Text, the Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible, used today. This consistency across a thousand years of copying is a testament to the care taken in preserving the biblical texts.
Furthermore, the New Testament enjoys substantial manuscript support. With more than 5,800 Greek manuscripts, tens of thousands of Latin Vulgate manuscripts, and several other early versions, the New Testament has far more manuscript evidence than any other ancient work. These manuscripts, some of which are dated to within a few decades of the original writings, allow scholars to reconstruct the original texts with a high degree of confidence.
The second aspect to consider is the archaeological evidence that corroborates biblical narratives. Over the years, numerous archaeological findings have affirmed the historical accuracy of the Bible. For instance, the existence of the Hittites was once doubted by skeptics, as they were only mentioned in the Bible. However, late 19th-century discoveries confirmed their existence and gave significant insight into their culture and history, aligning with biblical accounts.
Similarly, the discovery of the Tel Dan Stele, an inscribed stone erected by a king of Damascus in the 9th century BC, provides extra-biblical evidence for the existence of King David. It specifically mentions the "House of David," affirming the biblical narrative of David's kingship.
Another aspect is the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. The Bible contains numerous prophecies, many of which have been fulfilled in detailed and specific ways. For example, the Old Testament contains over 300 prophecies about the Messiah, all of which were fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These prophecies, written hundreds of years before Jesus' birth, include specific details about His birthplace, His lineage, His mission, and His death.
Continuing, we find that the Bible's historical credibility is also supported by the eyewitness accounts it contains. The New Testament was written by people who were contemporaries of the events they describe. The Gospels of Matthew and John, for instance, were written by disciples who lived with Jesus and witnessed His ministry firsthand. The apostle Paul, who wrote a significant portion of the New Testament, was a contemporary of Jesus and interacted with the original disciples.
Lastly, the Bible's credibility is further affirmed by the willingness of the early Christians to suffer and die for their faith. These were people who had lived through the events described in the New Testament. They had seen Jesus' miracles, heard His teachings, witnessed His death, and encountered Him after His resurrection. Their willingness to endure persecution and martyrdom attests to the fact that they were utterly convinced of the truth of their message. They knew what they had seen and heard, and they were willing to stake their lives in it. How many of you are willing to die for a lie?
In conclusion, the historical credibility of the Bible is well-supported by manuscript evidence, archaeological findings, fulfilled prophecies, eyewitness accounts, and the testimony of the early Christians. These factors, taken together, provide a solid basis for trusting the Bible as a reliable historical document.
Historical Jesus as Depicted in the Bible
As we turn our attention to the depiction of Jesus in the Bible, we must remember that the Jesus we encounter in the pages of Scripture is not a mythical figure or a distant deity, but a historical person who lived and breathed in a specific time and place. The Gospels provide us with a detailed account of His life, His teachings, His miracles, His death, and His resurrection. They paint a portrait of a Jesus who is both fully God and fully human, a Jesus who is as real and as relevant today as He was over two thousand years ago. Although the Bible is a written constant, it is a living manuscript, in the sense that even though it was written thousands of years ago, it is still applicable to our modern day lives. No other written document can say the same. Because it is a living document, each time you read its passage you will find something new, regardless of the number of times you have read it.
The first non-Christian writer to talk about Jesus was the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, and his main concern was to document the Jewish life and the time since their existence began, but in so chronicling the span of Judaism, he had to speak about the true facts that surrounded Jesus' death on the cross.
Roman historians Pliny and Tacitus also wrote about Jesus Christ. The “Annals” by Tacitus mentioned the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate executing Jesus, alluding to crucifixion, and placed that event within the timeframe that agrees with Christian gospels. Understand this, Tacitus was no fan of the Christians, nevertheless he wrote the truth about Jesus' trial and death on the cross.
Let’s look at is the humanity of Jesus. The Bible doesn't shy away from showing us Jesus in His full humanity. We see Him weeping at the tomb of His friend Lazarus, showing us that He experienced deep emotions just like we do. We see Him tired and thirsty at the well in Samaria, showing us that He experienced physical needs just like we do. We see Him praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, showing us that He experienced spiritual struggles just like we do. The humanity of Jesus is not a minor detail in the biblical narrative; it's a major theme that runs throughout the Gospels. And it's a theme that has significant implications for our lives. Because Jesus was fully human, He understands our weaknesses and our struggles. He sympathizes with our infirmities. He knows what it's like to be tempted, to be tired, to be troubled. And because He understands, we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that we will find grace and mercy in our time of need.
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Hebrews 2:17-18
In the words of the esteemed Christian author, C.S. Lewis, "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God." This quote beautifully encapsulates the second aspect we'll look at: the divinity of Jesus. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that Jesus is not just a great teacher or a moral example, but the very Son of God. We see this in His miracles, which demonstrate His power over nature, over disease, over demons, over death. We see this in His teachings, which are filled with authority and wisdom that can only come from God. We see this in His resurrection, which is the ultimate proof of His divinity. The divinity of Jesus is not a fringe point in the biblical narrative; it's a pivotal truth that stands at the heart of the Christian faith. And it's a truth that has transformative power in our lives. Because Jesus is fully God, He has the power to forgive our sins, to heal our hurts, to change our hearts. He has the power to give us new life, abundant life, eternal life. And because He has this power, we can trust Him with our lives, knowing that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
As we reflect on the humanity and divinity of Jesus, let's also consider His mission. The Bible tells us that Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. This is where that word propitiation comes into play from our last Scripture. It is a word that says that Jesus makes things right with God, just as a ransom makes things right with the kidnapper. Jesus paid the price for us to be taken away from Satan.
He came to seek and to save the lost. He came to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free. The mission of Jesus is not a secondary storyline in the biblical narrative; it's a significant thread that weaves its way through every chapter and verse. And it's a thread that invites us to join in God's redemptive work in the world. Because Jesus came to serve, we are called to serve. Because Jesus came to seek and save the lost, we are called to share the good news of His love and grace. Because Jesus came to bring freedom and healing, we are called to be agents of justice and compassion in a broken world.
Finally, let's think about the teachings of Jesus. The Bible records many of His parables, sermons, and sayings, which provide us with a roadmap for how to live a life that is pleasing to God. His teachings challenge us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. They call us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to give as we have received, to serve as we have been served. The teachings of Jesus are not optional extras in the Christian life; they are essential elements of our discipleship journey. And they are elements that require our active response. We are not just called to hear His words; we are called to put them into practice. We are not just called to admire His teachings; we are called to live them out in our daily lives.
So, as we reflect on the historical Jesus as depicted in the Bible, let's not just learn about Him; let's learn from Him. Let's not just study His life; let's strive to emulate His life. Let's not just marvel at His miracles; let's seek to mirror His love and compassion. Let's not just read His words; let's resolve to live by His words. And as we do, may we discover the joy and the peace and the purpose that come from building our lives on the solid rock of His teachings.
