Teach Them Jesus with Building Bricks
The Wise and Foolish Builders
Matthew 7:24-29; Luke 6:46-49 New Testament PrincipleObedience
Jesus told about two builders. The wise one built on the rock and his house stood through the storm. Jesus says those who hear His words and do them are like the wise builder.
Jesus' words are a rock we can build our lives on. Because we trust Him, we listen to Him and obey.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Matthew 7:24 BSB
Christ Connection · Picture
Jesus didn't say "build on God's words" like a prophet would. He said "these words of Mine," and the crowds were amazed at His authority. Jesus Himself is the rock and the only foundation that holds (1 Corinthians 3:11). A life built on Him stands, even in the storm.
1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 Peter 2:4-7; Matthew 7:28-29
The Big Story · Redemption
Since the Fall, people have tried to build their lives on their own ideas. Jesus came as the true foundation, and everyone who trusts Him and follows His words is built on a rock that will never fall.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Build the story
- Theo’s Workshop (build challenge): The Storm Test
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Verse tower
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus is my rock.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Rock or pillow?, Color the house on the rock
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Jesus told about a wise man who built on the rock and a foolish man who built on the sand. When we listen to Jesus and obey, we're like the wise builder.
Memory verse
“Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Adapted from Matthew 7:24
Start here
Give kids 60 seconds to build the tallest brick tower they can. Then gently shake the table. Ask, "Why did some fall? Why did some stand?" Say, "Jesus told a story about building. Let's find out what makes a house stand!"
Bible story 6 min
Jesus was teaching a big crowd on a hill. At the end, He told a story about two builders.
The first man was wise. He dug down deep. He found hard rock. He built his house on the rock.
The second man was foolish. He did not want to dig. He built his house on the sand. It was quick and easy.
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Build the two houses 10 min
You’ll need: A tub of building bricks, Baseplates, A tray of sand, A cup of water
- Each child builds a tiny house. They choose to click it onto the baseplate (the rock) or set it on the sand.
- Make a storm with a few drops of water and a shake. Which houses stood?
- Let everyone rebuild on the rock and try again.
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3rd – 4th grade
Jesus ended His greatest sermon with a story about two builders, teaching that hearing His words isn't enough; we build our lives on Him by trusting and obeying what He says.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Two builders, Verse wall
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount by claiming that His own words are the only foundation that survives the storm, calling us to build our lives on Him through trust that shows up as obedience.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 6 discussion questions
- 2 activities: The Rock through Scripture, My foundation
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at school, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Obedience
The same principle in other Bible stories.
In the BeginningGod Calls MosesExodus 2:1-3:15; Exodus 4:1-17God saw His suffering people and came down to rescue them, and He called Moses to go, promising, "I will be with you."Old TestamentObedience
Kings and ProphetsGod Calls Samuel1 Samuel 3:1-21When God's word was rare in Israel, God called the boy Samuel by name, and Samuel learned to say, "Speak, for Your servant is listening."Old TestamentObedience
Jesus the KingJesus Is BaptizedMatthew 3:1-17Jesus came to John to be baptized in the Jordan River, and God the Father said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," as the Spirit came down like a dove.New TestamentObedience
Kings and ProphetsThe Walls of JerichoJoshua 6:1-27; Joshua 2:1-21God told Israel to march around Jericho for seven days, and when they trusted and obeyed, God made the walls fall down flat.Old TestamentObedience