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In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lays foundational concepts for His Kingdom. His conclusion sums up that foundation: “Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).

Have you noticed how partial we are to comfort these days? Today’s new songs make us feel good. They are sweet and attractive, often based on comforting Scriptures. The Word should inspire our songs (Colossians 3:16). But that same Word has a sharp side. Where are contemporary choruses that warn about God’s wrath? Where are the “hard sayings”? They too reflect the God we adore.

Many think of Jesus as “meek and mild” by which they mean “weak and soft.” Artists reinforce this image, but it is not drawn from the New Testament. The real Jesus is a tekton (New Testament Greek: builder, carpenter) who, at 30, leaves His industry for a ministry covering many miles on foot in all kinds of weather.