The Queen of Sheba & The Greatest King

There’s something in every human heart that’s unsatisfied with secondhand stories. When we hear something incredible about someone, we want to find out for ourselves—Do they really live up to the reputation?

In 1 Kings 10, the Queen of Sheba had to know. She traveled roughly 1,500 miles to meet Solomon, drawn by the stories of his wisdom and success. His reputation had spread across kingdoms, and she couldn’t rest until she saw for herself whether it was true.

What she found was everything she’d heard—and more.

The first thing she discovered was that Solomon was reputable. He was known as a good and godly king—one whose name was tied to the fame of his God. His integrity, leadership, and faith gave weight to his reputation. A good leader’s life points beyond themselves. Solomon’s name was great because it made God’s name known.

What about you? Does your reputation attract people toward God—or push them away?

The Queen also found Solomon to be intellectual. She came with questions—riddles, dilemmas, and mysteries ranging from the political to the personal. Scripture says she told him all that was on her mind, and Solomon had an answer for everything. He wasn’t intimidated by her curiosity. He welcomed it. His wisdom created space for honest questions and real conversation. A wise leader is approachable—a safe place for difficult questions.

She also found Solomon to be charitable. He cared deeply for his people and for those beyond his borders. His servants were joyful under his leadership. His generosity overflowed to the Queen herself, giving her everything she asked for and more. A good leader is kind, honoring, and generous. A charitable leader loves.

After witnessing all this, the Queen of Sheba was overwhelmed. She blessed Solomon’s God. She had come from a land that didn’t worship Yahweh, but through Solomon’s character and leadership, she lifted her eyes and recognized the one true God.

In gratitude, she gave Solomon extravagant gifts—worth the equivalent of hundreds of millions today. She knew that what she placed in his hands would be used better than if she kept it for herself.

But this story isn’t just about Solomon’s greatness—it’s about pointing us toward someone even greater.

Centuries later, Jesus referenced this moment. In Luke 11:31, He said, “The Queen of the South will rise up 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 is the true and better Solomon.

He is reputable. His fame spread because of who He was, not what He had. Luke 4:14 and Matthew 4:24 tell of crowds gathering from everywhere to see Him. He was perfect and pure in every way (1 Peter 2:22). No one in history has changed the world like Jesus Christ—and no argument has ever undone Him.

He is intellectual. From childhood, His wisdom left people speechless (Luke 2:46-47). Grown crowds sat in awe as He spoke with clarity and authority (Matthew 7:28). He grasped the complexities of life and revealed truth in ways anyone could understand.

And He is charitable. Over and over, the Gospels show His compassion—healing the sick, feeding the hungry, forgiving the broken. He served His disciples, loved His enemies, and gave His life for His sheep (John 10:11). He took on the wrath we deserved, went into the grave, and then walked out three days later.

There is no leader like Jesus. There is no Savior like Jesus.

The Queen of Sheba brought her best to Solomon. Will you do the same with Jesus?

Will you come close—not just to hear about Him—but to know Him for yourself?

Now’s the time.