The Wise and Foolish builders

This week, we are focusing on the parable Jesus taught during his Sermon on the Mount. Our Bible text is found in Matthew 7:24-29.

Some of the main points we will think about are:

1. The Bible is the only firm foundation for our lives.
2. We must listen to and obey Jesus.
3. We will have difficult times. (The same storm hit both houses).

The Wise and Foolish builders – Lesson Guide

Begin by ask your children about their favourite story book. Ask them to explain what happens in the story. Try to help them think about any lessons that the book teaches us. Share how Jesus often told parables to His listeners. Explain that a parable is simple story which explains a deeper spiritual truth.

Read through the parable from Matthew 7:24-29 and ask your children to explain the story to you. What was different between the two houses? Which house survived the storm?

To reinforces the story, find a plastic tub or storage box. Place a big rock or brick inside the box on one side, and next to that, build a small mound of sand.  Next, place a small box or object on the rock and the sand to represent houses. Allow your child to start pouring in water to the box. They will quickly see the sand melt away into the water.

Explain that Jesus told this parable, because people were listening to Him teach but not doing what He taught. Ask your child what they think it means to put Jesus’ words into practice? Give examples of times you ask them to obey you because you love them and want to protect them.

Play a game of wise or foolish choices. Give your child some options and ask them to stand up if it’s a wise choice (obeying Jesus) or sit down if it’s a foolish choice. As them to think about things which honour Jesus.

For example:

Show how the storm hit both the wise man’s and the foolish man’s house. Remind your child that even when we trust and obey Jesus, we will have difficult days. However, by trusting in Him and obeying His words, we will always remain safe in God and ready for the storm.

Remind your children that God is good and wants what is best for them. When He asks us to obey the Bible, it is because He loves us and wants to keep us safe. Try to find some safety warning around your home or church and talk about whether it would be wise or foolish to ignore them.

Pray together and ask God to help you build your life on the Rock and to obey Him.

Free Printable Bible Story

Games and Activities

Sand Play

Allow your child to have some free play with sand. You could use a sand table or even take a trip to the beach. Encourage them to try to build a house or sandcastle.If you’re outside, you could add water and squirt down the sandcastle.

Cup Pyramid relay

Play as teams or individuals. Place some plastic or paper cups on the opposite side of the room to the children. The child should then run to collect the cups one by one and build a tower.

If you want to make the game more difficult. Add the rule that if the tower falls, all fallen cups must return to the start. First team or player to finish wins.

Building Block Foundations.

It would be impossible to have a preschool Bible lesson on builders without building blocks.

As you build houses or towers with your child, try to build on different surfaces. Think and talk about which surfaces make good foundations.

Worksheets

Bible Coloring pages – The Wise and Foolish builders

Two houses craft

What you need:

• Template page
• Lollipop sticks
• PVA Glue
• Play sand
• Colouring Pencils

What to do

1. Colour the template page
2. Glue on Lollipop sticks
3. Glue over sandy area, sprinkle on play sand. Shake off excess.

Download the lessons

Translations