Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Matthew 12:42-45

In the Old Testament, King Solomon was the apex of all greatness, wealth, and wonder.

In Matthew 12, Jesus was criticized and judged by Pharisees. In response, He said, “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.”

By all appearances of class, wealth, and status, Jesus, a carpenter’s son, did not compare to Solomon, son of King David. But the truth is, our great Savior is infinitely greater than Solomon.

First, Jesus is greater than Solomon in the wisdom He proclaims.

Having written the Book of Proverbs, Solomon was a man known for his wisdom. Yet, despite all he knew, Jesus knew more. Solomon’s wisdom about life, nature, and direction did not compare to Jesus’s lordship over life, nature. and direction.

Jesus is also greater than Solomon in His works.

Solomon built a temple for the Lord and hosted lavish feasts. But Jesus is building the kingdom, setting a table, and turning us, His people, into living temples of God.

Adrian Rogers says, “Salvation is not getting man out of Earth into Heaven; it is getting God out of Heaven into man.”

Third, Jesus is greater in the workers that He pleases.

Solomon’s servants were notably happy, dressed, and nourished like wealthy men. But as workers of Jesus Christ, we’ve received infinitely more than happiness; we receive conspicuous, continuous, contagious joy that can never be diminished.

Jesus is greater in the wealth that He possesses.

No one had ever seen a man as wealthy as Solomon. Yet, the cattle on a thousand hills belong to Jesus; every star in the sky is His. This is His world! He has left His followers great spiritual riches no money can buy.

Finally, Jesus is greater in the worship that He provides.

Solomon led his people in worship; it’s why he built the temple and why God established his throne on Earth. Yet, Jesus sits upon the eternal throne in Heaven and He will never dispossess it. We worship one who is greater than Solomon.

Apply it to your life

Do you worship our great Savior who is greater than any before Him, who reigns for all eternity? Spend some time in Scripture today and thank Him for saving you.