The parable does not really begin in verse 24. It flows out of what Jesus said three verses earlier. Before the two builders, there are people who call him Lord, Lord. These are not atheists. They are not cursing Jesus. They are calling him Lord, and not once but...
Jesus does not close his sermon with a summary or a blessing. He closes it with a warning wrapped in a story about two builders. Why end the greatest sermon ever preached with a flood and a house falling down? Because Jesus is not interested in being admired. He is...
Step back and see the whole passage as one unit. Verse 21 says the mark of a real disciple is doing the Father’s will. Verse 23 says the mark of a real disciple is being known by Jesus. These are not two different tests; they are one reality seen from two sides....
Do not misunderstand what Jesus means by knew. He is not saying He lacked information; He knew everything about these people, down to the number of miracles on their list. To know someone in Scripture is relationship language. It is the covenant word for the bond...
Why can we not simply feel our way to assurance? Because sin blinds us to ourselves. Scripture says sin is deceitful, and it lies best to us. Every part of us has been affected, including our minds and the way we perceive our own hearts. Jesus said we are experts at...
