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 Meier on
Matthew 7:21-29 - The concluding double parable of the men who built on rock
or sand . . . gives us the interesting equation of ‘doing the will of my Father’
(7:21) with ‘hearing my words and doing them’ (7:24, 26). The ultimate criterion
of what is the will of the Father is the authoritative word of Jesus-Jesus who teaches his
words now with authority, Jesus who, as Son of Man, will judge all men according to his
authoritative words on the last day. [1]
This lesson forms an inclusio since Matthew ends his gospel as he begins it,
with an authoritative word from Jesus-"teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you" (28:19).
Diane Jacobson -Here is the challenge of the text: What is the right
foundation on which to build a house of faith? What I want to say is this: I, like all of
those around me, am always tempted to build my house on my own deeds of righteousness . .
. Finally I stand before Jesus and say, but I have done all of these things in your name,
and even this brings condemnation. If I build my house on the foundation of my own
righteousness, it will always fall. So this parable, as all of Jesus’ teaching,
invites me to be wise and to build my hope on "nothing less than Jesus’ blood
and righteousness." [2]
 Chrysostom (fl 386-407) "Rock" refers
to the reliability of Jesus’ teaching. For his commands are stronger than any rock .
. . for the one who guards these commands with care will excel . . . even when treated
maliciously and even over the demons themselves in their plots. [3]
How would you describe your spiritual foundation?
What are some of the blue light specials life-enhancements that is currently being
promoted by our culture?
What would you have to tear down in order to solidify your life foundation?
 Please refer to the homily posted for this Sunday on DPS, "The House That Iam Built."
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1) John P. Meier, The Vision of Matthew (New
York: Paulist Press, 1979), pp. 65-66.
2) Diane Jacobson in New Proclamation (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002), page 94.
3) Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture IA (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press,
2001), page 157.
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