Wise Living

In May 2019, Kyle Martin graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class. 4.63 GPA, a 4-year scholarship worth $170,000, and many other accolades. You may recall his viral graduation speech where he reflects on the moments following the announcement of his valedictorian victory. “15 seconds of being at the top of the pile of all my accomplishments, and it felt euphoric… But there must come a 16th second.” He goes on to explain in that 16th second he was confronted with the emptiness of everything he had achieved and built.

In the final words of Jesus’ kingdom-introducing speech, he calls us to consider the “16th second” now. He creates a contrast between a wise builder and a foolish builder. Commentator Mark Moore notes “In the Palestinian desert it is much easier to build on the sandy surface than to dig down to bedrock.” The foolish builder quickly and conveniently constructs his home and showcases a finished product while the wise builder is still digging and sweating. The way of the foolish builder appears preferable and, perhaps, more practical… until a storm strikes.

Anyone who listened to Jesus preach the Sermon on the Mount and anyone who has ever read the Sermon on the Mount, is confronted with a choice. What will serve as the foundation of my life? I can build my life on wealth. Each dollar I earn and each care-free purchase I make showcases that I’ve “made it”. I can build my life on a marriage or a family. Each carefully crafted anniversary post on Facebook or family photo hanging on my wall is a little indicator of my success. I can build my life on the image of morality. Each “random” act of kindness or donation to charity soothes my soul and boosts my social status. There is a plethora of rewarding ways to live my life… for about 15 seconds.

But there must come a 16th second. Jesus employs the image of a destructive storm that tests the steadiness of each structure. Storms are used throughout the Old Testament as a symbol representing impending judgment. It’s true that the trials of life test and often reveal where our hope and security are found, but Jesus’ wording may more likely be meant to point toward the judgment of God that comes before the world is fully renewed.

The way Jesus describes God’s kingdom throughout this sermon is like an appetizer for our souls. A world renewed. A kingdom where God’s good and beautiful ways are always embraced and enjoyed. A place where people live in right relationship with God and one another. If we are to take up residence in that kind of kingdom, we must take what we’ve heard from Jesus and put it into practice. And as we do, God’s kingdom begins to seem less and less like a distant fantasy and more and more like a reality right in front of us.

Discussion Questions

• Icebreaker: If you had to build a house with unlimited tools and resources, but only your knowledge and your hands, what would the finished product look like?
• According to verse 24, what makes someone “like a wise man”? How does that differ from your typical view of wisdom? How does that differ from the world’s view of wisdom?
• How might someone be able to identify the foundation of their lives? How do you know what you’re constructing your life around?
• What is one specific teaching of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount that you can practice this week?
• What was your favorite section of Jesus’ sermon to read and study? Why?

You can check out Kyle Martin's full speech here:
Kyle Martin's Valedictorian Speech