In this parable, Jesus says that everyone who hears the word of God is building a house. The one who hears God’s word but does not do what it says is like a foolish builder who builds his house on sand. That house will be crushed in a storm. The one who hears the word of God and obeys it is like a wise man that builds his house on solid rock. That house will stand up to any storm. Wise people build their faith on the foundation of God’s word. This faith stands strong against the storms of life.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 7:24-29

Outline:

1. A wise man builds on a strong foundation (Matthew 7:24-25)
2. A foolish man builds on a weak foundation (Matthew 7:26-27)
3. The people were amazed (Matthew 7:28-29)

Tips for teaching:

• Bring sand and rock to class so children can examine it and note their unique qualities.
• Show a candy bar to the children.  Read every word on the packet and then set it aside.  Ask the children if they enjoyed the candy bar.  Compare this to reading the bible but never obeying the words.  Of course, then let the children enjoy eating the candy bar.
• Adults can talk about what it means to hear Jesus’ words AND obey them.  Choose a teaching of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and ask students to describe what it would be like to hear the words and then obey them.  How would this apply when a “storm of life” strikes?  For example,
  • Storm: Being made redundant or suddenly becoming unemployed
  • Teaching: Do not worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
  • Built on a Rock: If you had heard and obeyed this teaching, then what would happen when the storm struck?
  • Built on Sand: If you had heard this teaching but did not obey it, then what would happen when the storm struck?
• Choose other teachings from the sermon and discuss the applications. This can be done together or in smaller groups. 

 Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Parable of the Wise & Foolish Builders 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org