Heart Prep:
In 1 Kings 10, the word spread to the queen of Sheba about King Solomon’s wisdom. The queen traveled to see if these rumors were true and was amazed by the King’s wisdom and the splendor of the palace. The queen realized the rumors of his wisdom and prosperity didn’t offer the full picture of what life in his kingdom was really like. The queen recognized how a people who have a wise leader and a loving God are truly blessed. Jesus is the all-wise and perfect Ruler, surpassing Solomon in all his wisdom. Just as the queen of Sheba was amazed at Solomon, the crowds Jesus spoke to were also amazed at His wisdom and authority. And yet, unlike the queen of Sheba, who blessed the God of Israel, many refused to believe in Jesus. Lead boys and girls to see that Jesus is who He says He is: the mightiest King with the greatest wisdom, authority, and power. Pray that they would be amazed by King Jesus and trust in Him.
Message:
The queen of Sheba heard about King Solomon’s fame and how the Lord had given him great wisdom. So, she came to test Solomon with riddles. The queen of Sheba arrived in Jerusalem with a large group of people and camels carrying spices, gold, and precious stones. The queen came and spoke to Solomon about everything that was on her mind. Solomon answered all of her questions; nothing was too difficult to explain to her. When the queen of Sheba observed all of Solomon’s wisdom, his impressive palace, the wonderful food he served, the houses of his servants, how well dressed and behaved his servants were, and the sacrifices made at the Lord’s temple, she was amazed. The queen said to Solomon, “The report I heard in my own country about your wisdom is true. But I didn’t believe what I heard until I came and saw it with my own eyes. It turns out you have even more wisdom and wealth than I had heard about. Your people must be happy. Your servants are blessed to stand in your presence and hear your wisdom. May your God be blessed, for He delighted in you and put you on the throne of Israel, because He loves His people. He has made you king to carry out justice and righteousness.” Then the queen gave King Solomon four and a half tons of gold, many spices, and precious stones. In addition, she gave him a large amount of wood which Solomon used to make steps for the Lord’s temple and Solomon’s palace. He also used the wood to make lyres and harps for the singers. King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba everything she asked for. Then she and her servants returned to their own country.
Main Point:
The queen of Sheba was amazed at the wisdom God had given King Solomon. The people who heard Jesus teach were amazed at His wisdom, authority, and power. Jesus has all wisdom, authority, and power because He is God’s Son who came to live, die, and rise again.
Discussion:
Why did the queen of Sheba travel so far to see Solomon?
Remind kids that the queen wanted to see if the reports she heard about Solomon were true. Share how we can’t get to God on our own. He came to us through His Son, Jesus. Discuss how faith in Jesus saves us and how Jesus brings us to God. (Read Matt. 12:42 together.)
How does God’s generosity in sending Jesus compare to His generosity toward Solomon?
Discuss how God graciously gave Solomon wisdom and riches. However, the ultimate gift of God toward us was the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. God has blessed believers with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. The riches of Solomon were nothing compared to the gift of Christ’s love. (Read Eph. 1:3 together.)
Are you ever tempted to seek after God’s gifts more than God Himself? Why?
Answers will vary. Remind kids that no gift is greater than the Giver. Share how gifts can be taken away, destroyed, or broken, but God is forever. Gifts will never satisfy. Only God will make our hearts truly happy in Him. (Read Ps. 16:11 together.)
