Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount with a metaphor about building your life on the right foundation, his teaching. James cautions us about being merely hearers of the word instead of doers (James 1:22-24). Build your life on him and his teaching. The storms of life will eventually expose our foundations. 

Jesus expects Christians to demonstrate their faith by actually doing the things he taught, while remaining connected to him in a real relationship.   

The two builders in his metaphor are similar. They have heard his word, which implies they are church-goers and readers of Scripture. Their houses look the same from the walls up, which means they do many of the same things. However, only one has built his life on the right foundation.

It’s not just the teaching that impressed the people, but Jesus himself. He taught with an unusual authority (v. 29) because he is the Son of God. The call to build our lives on his teaching means that we do so in relationship with him. He is the one who gives us the strength and the motivation to actually change our lives.

We must build the habit of talking to him about the parts of his teaching that are not yet our foundation. Be patient. It takes a while to complete a foundation. Paul tells us that Christ is the Rock (See 1 Cor. 10:4). Let us patiently work to build our habits on Jesus and his teaching.  

Taking It Home: This is a personal exercise: Read the Sermon on the Mount again, asking the Lord to show you an area where you are lacking. Resolve to change and pray for his grace. Look for the next opportunity to make this teaching part of your foundation.