Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
Matthew 7:24-27

2 Responses

• House on the Rock: Doing the teachings of Jesus
• House on the Sand: Not doing the teachings of Jesus

Bottom Line

Being a disciple of Jesus involves becoming an apprentice of Jesus.

The context for apprenticeship to Jesus is real life.

Key Ingredients for Jesus Apprenticeship Program

1. Information
2. Practice
3. Reflection

As disciples of Jesus we are to multiply disciples of Jesus.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20

Nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them. For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body. What comes out of a person is what defiles them.
Mark 7:18-20

Action Steps

Prayerful Reflection

• Am I moving beyond hearing to actually doing the teachings of Jesus?
• What pieces of Jesus’ change model — information, practice, reflection — might be missing in my formation?
• Where is Jesus inviting me to let Him shape my desires, wants, and affections?

Practice

1. Just Do It
   For every podcast, sermon, or devotional you take in this week, identify one concrete action Jesus is inviting you to take — and do it! Then take a moment to reflect on how it went.
2. Apprenticeship Examen
   Each night, create a few quiet minutes to notice:
   • What did Jesus teach me today?
   • Where did I practice what I already know?
   • What might Jesus be showing me about my heart?