Foundations: The Wisdom of Jesus

Matthew 7:24-29
Pastor Darrin Mariott

Big Idea: Jesus’ words are the key to wisdom and eternal life.

The Call to Wisdom (v. 24-29)
Matthew 7:24-29
24 “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. 25 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. 26 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. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

A. Jesus invites us to build our lives on the secure bedrock of God’s kingdom, but He doesn’t leave any middle ground in doing it. He makes it clear that wisdom is best seen in a willingness to do what He teaches and that a failure to do so is foolishness. The issue here isn’t intelligence, but spiritual insight and humility.

John 6:60-69
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.” 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

B. Truth is, Jesus has many fans (those who claim to admire His teaching), but the real test of discipleship is obedience. This happens when:

1 John 2:3-6
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

1. We recognize Jesus’ authority
Matthew 7:28-29
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

2. We respond to Jesus’ authority: By trusting Him as our Messiah and Lord

2. We respond to Jesus’ authority: By acting upon His Word
Luke 6:46
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?

The Fruit of Wisdom, v. 24-29
Matthew 7:24-29
24 “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. 25 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. 26 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. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

A. One of the best measures of wisdom is not how much we know, but in our willingness to put what we do know into action. That is, wisdom is revealed in the fruit we bear (see vv. 15-20). For Jesus, the fruit of wisdom blooms when we build our lives on His person and teaching.

1 Corinthians 3:10-11
10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

B. Jesus’ illustration of the two houses built on differing foundations shows us the fruits of obedience and of disobedience. We can all be certain that:
1. Storms will come in this life
2. Storms reveal the quality of the choices we’ve made
3. Those who trust in Jesus and act on His words will make it through, those who don’t

Application: Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount challenges us to a life that reflects His call to discipleship. It is a challenging path, but a worthwhile one as it leads to abundant life in Christ and allows us to shine as a light for the Gospel to a weary and broken world.