Our Great Savior

by Dr. Adrian Rogers

"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 12:42
The Pharisees were criticizing, castigating, and judging Jesus. And Jesus respon
ded 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 stateme
nt. 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 littl
e 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. S
olomon was rich beyond compare while Jesus was a pauper. Solomon had great armie
s, 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 h
ad thousands of horses and chariots and rode in splendor. Jesus walked. How coul
d 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 â 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 s
ee, 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 yea
rs 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 prep
are 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 wi
ne.
Solomon built a temple beyond compare. It was the most glorious, magnificent bui
lding 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 t
he temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you ...?"
Greater in the Workers He Pleases
Solomon built many things and employed many workers. And he was a great man to w
ork for. Can you imagine serving in his court in all the lavish wealth? Solomon'
s workers were happy, but Jesus gives me joy unspeakable and full of glory.
Greater in the Wealth He Possesses
King Solomon was incredibly wealthy. King Tut, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump will
have to stand aside when it comes to wealth. Tons of gold, along with ivory and
spices, were poured into Solomon's coffers. But Jesus' wealth is greater. The c
attle on a thousand hills belong to Jesus, and all of the diamonds and the rubie
s in those hills. Every star in the sky belongs to Him.
Greater in the Worship He Provides
Finally, Jesus is greater in worship. Solomon was there to lead the people in wo
rship. That's why he built the temple, and God gave him a throne. But there's an
other throne, and Jesus sits upon it. Friend, Solomon no longer sits upon his th
rone, but Jesus sits on His! And He will never, ever be dispossessed.
Like other great kings, Solomon has come and gone. All that he had is gone. But
Jesus is here. He will supply you with His wisdom. He will give you water so you
will never thirst again. He's preparing a place for you in heaven. And Jesus wi
ll give you joy day by day. And that's why we worship the One, the Lord Jesus, W
ho is greater than Solomon. He's the everlasting King and our great Savior.