"The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this
generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts
of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than
Solomon is here." Matthew 12:42The Pharisees were criticizing, castigating, and judging Jesus. And Jesus responded by saying, "Look, a greater than Solomon is here." Now, what caused Jesus to say that?
Dr. Robert G. Lee said those Pharisees must have wondered at Jesus' bold statement. After all, Jesus was a carpenter's son. Solomon was born in a palace; Jesus was born in a stable. Solomon was born in Jerusalem, and Jesus was born in little Bethlehem. Solomon had many servants to wait upon him hand and foot. Jesus had none. Solomon wore his kingly robes, but Jesus wore His peasant's garb. Solomon drank from vessels of gold. Jesus had to get a drink from a Samaritan harlot. Solomon was rich beyond compare while Jesus was a pauper. Solomon had great armies, but Jesus only had a few stragglers following Him. Solomon lived in mansions; Jesus was homeless and sometimes didn't have a place to lay His head. Solomon had thousands of horses and chariots and rode in splendor. Jesus walked. How could Jesus be greater than Solomon?
I want to tell you some ways that Jesus is greater than Solomon.
Greater in the Wisdom He Proclaims
Now, you talk about a wise man -- Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs. He knew 3,000 proverbs and had memorized 1,500 songs. What a mind he had!
Solomon knew all about the created universe. But Jesus had greater wisdom. You see, Jesus made all of the things that Solomon knew about.
We read in the Bible where Solomon studied ichthyology. He knew all about fish, but Jesus knew more. Jesus put enough fish in two empty nets to sink two boats.
Solomon knew all about the cycles of the wind, but Jesus knew how to rebuke the wind and cause the Sea of Galilee to be still at His command.
Solomon knew all about navigation. He sent ships out all over the earth to bring back riches. But Jesus could walk on water.
Greater in the Works He Performs
Not only did Solomon have great wisdom, but he also did mighty things. Solomon built a palace for himself. It took thirteen years to complete, and it defied description. But Jesus is building a greater house. He said in John 14:2, "In My Father's house are many mansions ... I go to prepare a place for you."
Solomon invited people in for great feasts. But Jesus could take five loaves of bread and two fishes and feed 5,000. He could turn plain water into sparkling wine.
Solomon built a temple beyond compare. It was the most glorious, magnificent building that has ever been built. But Jesus has built a greater temple. You and I are His temple. First Corinthians 6:19 says, "...know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you ...?"
Source: Love Worth Finding Ministries
