We are continuing to look at some of Jesus’ Parables throughout Pentecost. The questions and activities are designed to help you talk about the parables with others. Have fun with them.
Scripture
24‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts
on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25The rain fell,
the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not
fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26And everyone who hears these words
of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house
on sand. 27The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat
against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!’ (Matthew 7:24-27) Also
Luke 6:46-49.
Conversation starters
Is Jesus really talking about construction? What do you
think he is referring to?
Rock makes a good foundation because you can anchor the
framing to something firm. What is your life foundation?
A lot of work goes into building anything, even a small
shed. To do it right, you must first level the ground and make sure the framing
is square and secure. A better practice is to pour a concrete foundation, or at
least make a nice level wood base for your shed. Jesus talks about building a
house, which is an even bigger project. Apparently one man did the necessary
work to get ready to build, and the other just put up a house quickly right on
the sand. The result was disaster when the storm arrived.
Storms come in many forms. What are some storms that you
have experienced? What are some that you fear?
Would you say, ‘my life house is on a firm foundation’ or
not? How might we help one another strengthen our foundations?
Action Item
Use blocks to build a house at your table. If you are doing
this with children, be sure to let them experiment and design and build their
own. It’s OK if it falls down, that’s part of learning. If you are doing it with
adults, talk about what the various pieces might represent about faith and
prayer life. Is the door the entry for Jesus? Is the wall a way to keep
strangers out?
Use the practice of Praying with Color to add your prayer
requests to the drawing, or make your own Praying with Color design of a house.
End by singing The Wise Man Built his House on a Rock.
