10/18/2023 7:50:50 PM
Remarkable Statements
Jesus made some remarkable statements during his public ministry. To his Jewish audiences his words in Matthew 12:42 must have seemed ridiculous. He said, “The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here.”
King Solomon reigned during the height of Jewish power. The wealth that Solomon accumulated is beyond comprehension. (Check 1 Kings 10:14-29 for a list. For example, he annually received 666 talents of gold — 25 tons! But that is just one verse.) When Jesus said that one greater than Solomon had arrived, his Jewish audience must have gone silent in shock and then broke out into laughter.
But Jesus wasn’t exaggerating. His worldly wealth may not have compared to Solomon’s, but Jesus had wealth that surpassed all of Solomon’s wealth. Jesus freely gave away God’s love! To those who trusted in Jesus, he gave access to God’s love for all eternity. Access to Solomon’s wealth may seem like the best road; but Jesus’ wealth is what we really need. Jesus’ gifts make a ton of gold seem worthless. You know Jesus; enjoy access to the greatest treasure the world will ever know! Enjoy it as your pray with confidence. Enjoy this treasure of God’s love as it shapes your view of the world and your view of your own life. You are called to follow and serve the Lord of Lords!
Pastor Aufdemberge
Pastor Kneser
Pastor Wempner
Pastor Zarling