Upside Down Kingdom: Mission & Message | Week 13 | Resting on the Rock | Matthew 7:15-29

Week 13 | Resting on the Rock

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
- Matthew 7:24-25

Matthew 7:15-29
 
Jesus’ Words Are Different - People were amazed by Jesus’ teaching because it was unlike anything they had ever heard. The scribes and rabbis of Jesus day always taught referring to what previous teachers said using tradition as their primary source of authority. Jesus’ preaching is different because He is teaching as if he is THE authority. Several times Jesus says “you have heard it said.... But I say...” The Sermon on the Mount is not universal common wisdom Jesus merely breathed in from the air of the culture around Him and exhaled back out. Jesus is not building a consensus; He is building a kingdom.

Fruitless Leaders (7:15-20) – Who we follow matters. Jesus warns His disciples there will be false teachers and prophets that will appear like innocent sheep but will devour like ravenous wolves. Disciples need to be discerning on who they allow to influence them. Teachers should be judged not just by their words but by the fruit they do or do not produce.

False Disciples (7:21-23) – Entrance into Jesus’ kingdom is more than skin deep. Superficial actions or affirmations are insufficient for genuine discipleship. Jesus wants our whole lives and our whole hearts. Many may profess allegiance to Jesus but only those who are in communion with Him will be part of His forever kingdom.

Fools & Faithful Followers (7:24-29) - Jesus is not giving a campaign speech hoping to become a king, he is giving declarations because he IS the King. Jesus is lovingly warning everyone listening; there are consequences for failing to turn hearing into doing. While both the wise and foolish desire an eternal home, fools will reject Jesus’ teaching and suffer for it. The wise who receive and respond to Jesus will be safe and secure. We do not build our lives on the shifting sands of the world but on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ the Rock of our salvation.

QUESTIONS: 

1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Did you learn anything new about Jesus or His Kingdom?
2. How are Jesus’ words and teaching different than other great teachers? How does this change our response to Jesus?
3. Why is it important to judge teachers and leaders by their fruit?Who have you followed or allowed to influence you that you later regretted?
4. What is your reaction to Jesus’ warning about superficial faith and the kingdom of God? Does it dive you to any self-reflection? Where in your life do you need to build on the firm foundation of Jesus?

PRAY –  Praise God the Father for sending Jesus on mission with the message of the Kingdom. Thank Jesus for being the rock of our salvation. Ask the Holy Spirit for conviction of sin and comfort of the Gospel.