Matthew 7:25

Thursday, 20 February 2025

 

and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:25

 

“And the rain, it descended. And the floods, they came. And the winds, they blew. And they fell towards the house, that. And it fell not, for it had been founded upon the rock” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus noted that he who hears His sayings and then does them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. He continues that thought next, saying, “And the rain, it descended.”

 

Jesus gives the first of several short thoughts, one following right after the next. This first one contains a new word, broché, rain. It is only seen here and again in verse 7:27. It is derived from the verb brechó, to rain.

 

This is something that happens all the time in Israel. However, there are times when the rain is especially heavy or that lasts longer than normal. In such instances, the rains overflow the lands. In such instances, Jesus gives the next short thought, “And the floods, they came.”

 

Another new word is seen, potamos, a flood. It speaks of a flood, be it a running river, water that is unrestrained and flows heavily, etc. It is believed to be a derivative of the word pino, to imbibe or drink. Jesus uses the word metaphorically in John 7:38 when speaking of rivers of living water flowing out of the heart of the one who believes in Him.

 

In the case of Jesus’ words now, the word is plural, floods. The rain has come in such quantities as to flood everything in the area. This can be especially catastrophic depending on where a person is situated during such an event. But this rain and flooding is not all that has occurred. Jesus next says, “And the winds, they blew.”

 

The word pneó is first seen here. It is a primary word meaning to breathe hard. As such, it further signifies to blow or breathe as the wind does. It isn’t just a deluge, but a strong storm that is raging. The winds, along with the flooding, can be quite disastrous.

 

Anyone who has been through a major event like this can testify that it is frightening and dangerous. In the case of the wise man’s house, He says, “And they fell towards the house, that.”

 

The word translated as “fell towards” is prospiptó. It is derived from pros, toward, and piptó, to fall. It has already been seen when describing someone falling down and worshiping. The rains fell in the direction of the house. The floods then fell towards it. Along with them, the winds fell toward it. The entire scene taken together is like a barrage set against that house. And yet, Jesus next says, “And it fell not, for it had been founded upon the rock.”

 

Jesus uses yet another new word, themelioó. It signifies “to lay a basis for,” coming from themelios, a foundation. Thus, it is to found, as in setting a foundation to ensure rigidity. In this case, the word is used in the pluperfect tense. The person had completed the founding of his house in the past. Because he prepared in advance, the foundation was solid and stood when the violence of the elements was thrust upon it.

 

Remembering now that Jesus is equating the founding of this house to hearing and doing His words completes the thought in the mind. When one hears the word of Christ, heeds it, and follows through by applying His words to his life, the greatest trials of life will not prevail over him.

 

What He says here must naturally be taken in the proper context of the times, meaning the dispensation of the law, the audience, meaning the people of Israel under the law, and the situation, meaning heeding the word of God as it has been presented in contrast to the traditions, incorrect teachings, or falsities that have been introduced into the lives of the people.

 

Eventually, Jesus will fulfill the law and these things will have to be considered from that light. However, that has not yet occurred. He is telling the people to trust His word of instruction and to then see how it will fit into the greater context of His ministry as He continues on the path toward the cross.

 

Life application: It is wholly inappropriate for those in the church to insert themselves into the words of Jesus at this time. What Jesus is saying is instruction to God’s people while they are living under the law. This was clearly stated by Him in Matthew 6:32 where He contrasted the people He was speaking to, meaning Israel, to the Gentiles.

 

This confirms that He was not speaking to the Gentiles. It also means that the Gentiles were not under the law, an obvious point, but one that continues to escape so many in the world today. This does not mean that Jesus’ words do not have value for the instruction of the church, but that the context must be considered.

 

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

 

All Scripture is useful and profitable, but it must be taught or contemplated while considering the surrounding context.

 

Lord God, help us to consider Your word in the appropriate way that You intend. We are to learn from those things that are stated but not directed specifically to us, and we are to apply those precepts that apply to us today. May we not confuse the intended audience of the words as we consider them. Help us to remember this truth. Amen.