“The queen of the south shall rise in 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 12:42 KJV

“The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” Matthew 12:42 NASB

How was Christ greater than Solomon? Solomon brought the nation of Israel to its greatest glory and in his wisdom and wealth, surpassed all before and all who would follow. Yet Christ is greater. He is greater inherently: Solomon a mere man; Christ the Son of God. He is greater morally: Solomon turned away from the true God; Christ was ever faithful. He was greater intellectually: Solomon outstripped his peers; Christ has no peers. He is unique and incomparable. He is greater royally: Solomon’s reign had an end, and ended in failure. But His reign will have no end and be marked by an ever-increasing glory and majesty.

Questions to consider:

  1. Everything is in contrast: who came, why she came, where she came from, and to whom she came. What do all these contrasts teach?
  2. In this section, Christ is greater than the temple (v 6), than Jonah (v 41), than Solomon (v 42), and the strong man (v 29). Notice in vv 18-21 He is the Servant in Whom the Master has found delight. Think about these contrasts and find ways in which Christ was superior to all these.
  3. The men of Nineveh had a sign – the sign of Jonah. But the queen of the south moved without a sign. She responded to a report of wisdom. How do these two issues – His words and works – provide adequate testimony to His person?
Translate