Matthew 12:42
Jesus once said to the Pharisees:
Matthew 12:42
The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.
The one “greater than Solomon” was Jesus Christ Himself.
Solomon’s Wisdom and Jesus’ Sovereignty
Even more than for his wealth, Solomon was noted for his wisdom. (Read 1 Kings 3.)
1 Kings 10:1,3
Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with hard questions…. So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for the king that he could not explain it to her.
As you read Proverbs, you see that Solomon knew biology, philosophy, theology, etc.
But Jesus is greater than Solomon.
Solomon knew about the trees, but Jesus made every one of those trees. (See John 1:3.) Solomon knew about navigation, but Jesus walked on water. Solomon knew about the circulation of the winds, but Jesus stilled a storm on the Sea of Galilee.
Solomon’s Glory and Jesus’ Provision
Solomon put on a feast—"And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers, and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her” (1 Kings 10:4-5).
But Jesus sets a better table. He will feed you with bread from Heaven, and you will never hunger or thirst again. (Read Matthew 26:26-28, John 4:10.)
Solomon’s Temple and Jesus’ Church
Solomon built a temple—perhaps the most magnificent building in the history of the world. (Read 1 Kings 5-6.)
But Jesus has built a greater temple. “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Solomon’s temple is gone. But the temple that Jesus Christ has built—and is building—will endure forever. “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18b).
Solomon’s Servants and Jesus’ Followers
The Queen of Sheba said to Solomon, “Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom!” (1 Kings 10:8).
But Jesus has an army of people around this world who not only would wait upon Him but also would die for Him. Solomon gave happiness to his servants. Jesus gives “joy inexpressible and full of glory” (see 1 Peter 1:8).
Solomon’s Wealth and Jesus’ Universe
“The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold” (1 Kings 10:14). That is tons of gold.
Jesus’ wealth is even greater than Solomon’s.
Colossians 1:16
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
Solomon’s Sacrifices and Jesus’ Blood
The job of the man upon the throne is to lead people to worship. At the dedication of the temple, “King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand bulls and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep” (2 Chronicles 7:5a).
But, “It is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). Jesus is a Lamb without spot or blemish, and with His own blood He provided a greater way of worship.
