7:24–27 Jesus has just taught that false prophets can be detected by what they do (v. 16) and that it is action, not rhetoric, that provides entrance into the kingdom of heaven (v. 21). This principle of judgment based on deeds is now applied to everyone. Jesus pictures two builders: one builds a house on a rock and the other chooses a sandy location. Later, when the rain pours down, causing a flash flood of the river over its banks, the first house withstands the storm and the other house is swept away. The imagery comes from climatic conditions in Palestine. The country is dry most of the year, but following the autumn rains, sudden torrents may rush down dry ravines and carry away anything in their path.

The purpose of the parable is to warn those who have listened to the sermon that w…