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The Wise and Foolish Builder
“The wise man (all people) built his house upon the rock…” may be a song that you sing or sang in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School or summer camp. It comes from a parable that Jesus told his followers about listening to and putting into practice what he has been teaching. We can also use this story to talk about making wise or foolish choices. Start by reading the Bible Story or watching the video and going through the wondering questions. Then pick the activities your family would like to do, as many or few as you like. Close your family faith time with prayer – use your own or the one provided.
Bible Story
- Read the story of The Wise and Foolish Builder in your favorite Bible Story Book, in the Deep Blue Bible Storybook, or in Matthew 7:24-27.
- Wonder about the story together:
- I wonder if you can remember a storm with lots of rain and wind.
- I wonder what happens to a house when it is built on the sand when rains and winds come.
- I wonder what happens to a house built on rock (or a strong foundation) when rains and wind come.
- I wonder if you can think if a time when you listened to a wise friend or adult.
- I wonder if you can think of a time when you did not listen to a wise friend or adult.
- I wonder how you listen to Jesus’ teachings.
- Prayer:
- Dear God, thank you for Jesus’ parables to teach us about making good choices. Help us remember what Jesus said about the builder of the house on the sand and rock. Help us to make good choices. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Activities
1. Printable Puzzle
2. Building a Good Foundation Activity
3. Activity Activity Bulletin
4. Deep Blue Lesson for at Home
Other activity ideas include:
- Make Sand Art
- Paint a rock with an encouraging message and put it somewhere so others can see it
- Do a house/tower building experiment: What kind of materials create a strong foundation? What kind of materials might make a foundation weak or unsteady? Build a house on a strong foundation and a weak foundation. What is the same? What is different?
Book
Most People by Michael Leannah
Building strong foundations in our communities means understanding that most people care about one another and also want to have a strong community. After you read/watch the book, discuss these talking points: How have you seen people being kind in your community? When people are not kind, how can you and your family respond? (You may want to tie this in with understanding race, racism and anti-racism. Learn more here.