Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:38–42

Introduction

A. You might say that Solomon is the king who never should have been, and yet the fact is that he was God’s choice (1 Chronicles 28:5).

B. There are many similarities between Solomon and Jesus, and yet they are the differences that show Jesus’ greatness.

Discussion

I. Consider the similarities between the two.

A. Both were sons of David (Matthew 1:1, 6; Romans 1:3–4).

B. Both built a house for God (1 Chronicles 22:8–9; Matthew 16:18).

C. Both were known for their wisdom (1 Kings 10:1–10).

D. Both sought to do their father’s will (1 Kings 3:3; 2:5–9; John 6:38; Hebrews 10:7; Matthew 3:17; 17:5).

II. Now consider the differences.

A. The house that Jesus built is far greater (Hebrews 8).

B. Solomon failed (1 Kings 11:1–13), but Jesus never does (Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

C. Jesus offered a solution for the problems that Solomon created (Romans 6:15–18; Matthew 11:28–30; John 10:11–15, 27–29).

D. Solomon may have done much to help Israel become prosperous (1 Kings 10:27), but he couldn’t solve their greatest problem.

Conclusion

A. At the end of his lifelong quest for wisdom, Solomon reached the conclusion which sums up everything Jesus taught: “Fear God, and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

B. Solomon was a great king in many respects and was certainly a wise teacher, but “a greater than Solomon is here.”