Matthew 12: Jesus Was Greater Than Solomon
The Pharisees criticized and interrogated Jesus—but they were so blind to the obvious.
Jesus said to them:
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 (Matthew 12:42).
The queen of the South—that is, the Queen of Sheba—once made an arduous trek from what was likely Ethiopia to see Solomon in all of his glory. Imagine what the Pharisees thought when Jesus said to them, “Someone even greater than Solomon is right here with you.”
The Wisdom of Jesus, Son of God
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 (1 Kings 10:1,3).
God had given Solomon the supernatural gift of wisdom. The Book of Proverbs was written primarily by Solomon. He knew theology, philosophy, biology, and sociology.
But Jesus is greater in wisdom. Solomon may have studied fish, but Jesus loaded a fisherman’s net so that it sank two boats. Solomon knew of the circulation of the winds, but the Lord stilled the winds. Solomon might have known about navigation, but the Lord Jesus walked on water.
The Works of Jesus, Son of David
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… there was no more spirit in her (1 Kings 10:4-5).
Solomon could not serve the bread of eternal life that will satisfy the deepest longing of your heart.
Historians tell us that Solomon’s temple was probably the most magnificent building the world will ever see. Where is Solomon’s temple? Gone! But the temple that Jesus has built—you—the temple inhabited by the Holy Spirit, will live forever. (See 1 Corinthians 6:19.)
Jesus’ servants are more blessed than Solomon’s ever could be. In this world there are millions of people who not only serve the Lord Jesus Christ, but, if necessary, would die for Him.
The Wealth of King Jesus
The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents… (1 Kings 10:14).
But how wealthy is Jesus, the son of God?
The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein (Psalm 24:1).
It was all made by Him, and for Him.
Solomon left nothing to you and me. But a child of God is a joint heir with Jesus Christ. God made all of this for His children.
The Divinity of Jesus
Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD has loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness (1 Kings 10:9).
Solomon’s throne is gone. But there is a throne established in Heaven—and it is occupied.
The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever! (Revelation 11:15b).
At the dedication of that temple, “King Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand bulls and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep” (2 Chronicles 7:5a).
All of those offerings could not atone for one sin.
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