Study Questions – Parables #1
The Wise and Foolish Builders
Matthew 7:24-27
INTRODUCTION: Jesus often taught in parables. That is, he taught using short stories that connected with his audience and drew from the images of their everyday lives. He did this because he loved them and wanted them to gain clarity of themselves, God, and the life that Jesus offers. Parables function as a lens that allows us to see the truth and to correct distorted vision. They allow us to see what we would not otherwise see, and they presume we should look at and see a specific reality. In the parable of the wise and foolish builder, Jesus wants us to examine our posture towards obedience. The key words in this parable are “hearing and doing.” We get two pictures, one of someone who hears and does. And secondly, of someone who does not. The results are tragic and devastating for not hearing and doing. It is important to remember that Jesus is not talking about the way of salvation here. In that, he is not saying that we earn our salvation by works. Instead, he is giving us a picture of the blessing of obedience. When we hear and live out the commands of God, that is, when we are obedient, it blesses us. How? By giving us reassurance in our relationship with God and uniting us with him. The beauty of this parable is that it teaches us that it is possible to have a faith that endures. Our obedience unlocks that reality for us by leading us into greater intimacy with God.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, talk about how you have perceived the importance of obedience in your life. Did you have people in your life that made your obedience conditional for their love and approval? If so, how did that impact you? Or, have you had people who love you despite your disobedience? Just like our Father in Heaven does. And how did that impact you?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?