What does “something greater than Solomon is here” mean (Matthew 12:42)?

In Matthew 12:42, Jesus says, “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 something greater than Solomon is here.” Jesus directed these words at the unbelieving Jewish authorities who rejected Him and demanded a sign (verse 38). Jesus had already performed many signs, and their asking for another revealed their unbelieving hearts. To drive home that point, Jesus contrasted the unbelief of His generation with the faith of previous generations.

Jesus stated that Nineveh would condemn the unbelievers of His generation on judgment day because they repented at Jonah’s preaching—and Jesus is greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41). He then said the same about the Queen of the South, traditionally identified as the Queen of Sheba (cf. 1 Kings 10:1–13). The queen honored Solomon, traveling great distances to hear his wisdom—and Jesus is greater than Solomon. Far from honoring Jesus, the Jews actively opposed Him and heaped dishonor upon Him.

Jesus is greater than Solomon in every way. As the Messiah who was predicted in the Old Testament (Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12–13, 16), Jesus governs a larger, more prosperous kingdom. Solomon’s kingdom was rich in earthly treasures, but Jesus’ kingdom has infinite value. Solomon’s kingdom had physical boundaries, but Jesus’ kingdom will extend over the whole world. Solomon was wise, but Jesus embodies “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Solomon had authority, but Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

The Jewish leaders had the Scriptures, and those writings clearly pointed to Jesus (see John 5:39). The Jewish leaders’ rejection of Jesus came from rebellion and religious pride, which Jesus condemned. As the one who is greater than Solomon, Jesus offered something far superior to the greatest gift of any earthly king. Tragically, by rejecting Jesus, the Jews turned away from Wisdom incarnate (see 1 Corinthians 1:30). The Queen of the South would rightfully condemn that generation. They were without excuse, having rejected something greater than what she risked so much to obtain. The generation of Jesus’ time encountered God in the flesh, yet they turned away.

The Jewish leaders should have been the first to recognize and celebrate their Messiah. Their rejection of Him was grievous and tragic beyond measure. The two examples Jesus gives of those who will condemn the unbelieving Jews on judgment day were Gentiles. The Ninevites and the Queen of Sheba had the proper response to God’s message. Foreigners were coming to God more readily than God’s own people. To reject Jesus is to reject God (Luke 10:16).

Just as the Jews in Jesus’ day, we have privileges that people in the past did not have. The gospel has spread wide, sparking transformation and changing lives everywhere. We have access to storehouses of truth and the testimonies of countless believers. We, like the people of old, have no excuse to reject Jesus.