What did Jesus say about the Queen of Sheba?

The story of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, marked by a quest for wisdom and understanding, has captured the imagination of generations. But what did Jesus Christ Himself say about the Queen of Sheba? In the New Testament, Jesus references this enigmatic queen in a striking and meaningful way, offering lessons that are as relevant today as they were two millennia ago.

The Queen of Sheba in the Old Testament

To appreciate Jesus’ reference, it is essential to first understand the original story of the Queen of Sheba. Her narrative is primarily found in 1 Kings 10:1-13 and 2 Chronicles 9:1-12. According to these accounts, the Queen of Sheba, a monarch from a distant land—believed by many to be in present-day Yemen or Ethiopia—heard of Solomon’s great wisdom and the fame of his relationship with the Lord. She journeyed to Jerusalem with a grand entourage, bringing spices, gold, and precious stones, intending to test Solomon with hard questions.

Upon witnessing Solomon’s wisdom, the prosperity of his court, and the splendor of his kingdom, the Queen of Sheba was left breathless. She praised Solomon’s God for placing such a wise king on Israel’s throne and exchanged lavish gifts with Solomon before returning to her own country. The account highlights themes of seeking wisdom, recognizing divine blessing, and the exchange between different cultures and faith traditions.

Jesus’ Mention of the Queen of Sheba

Jesus refers to the Queen of Sheba in two parallel passages: Matthew 12:42 and Luke 11:31. In both contexts, Jesus is addressing crowds who are demanding signs and miracles as proof of His authority. Here is the passage from Matthew 12:42 (NIV):

“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.”

Similarly, Luke 11:31 states:

“The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.”

In these verses, “the Queen of the South” is universally recognized by scholars and biblical commentators as the Queen of Sheba.

The Context of Jesus’ Statement

To understand Jesus’ message, it is important to examine the context in which He spoke these words. In both Matthew and Luke, Jesus had just performed miracles and cast out demons. Yet, the Pharisees and some members of the crowd remained skeptical, demanding additional signs to validate His identity and authority.

Jesus responds by referencing two Old Testament figures: Jonah and the Queen of Sheba. He asserts that just as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, He Himself is a sign to His generation. By invoking the Queen of Sheba, Jesus highlights the contrast between her eager pursuit of wisdom and the reluctance of His own contemporaries to recognize the truth standing before them.

The Significance of the Queen of Sheba’s Example

Jesus uses the Queen of Sheba as a powerful example to underscore several key points:

1. The Pursuit of Wisdom

The Queen of Sheba’s journey was long and challenging, yet she undertook it to seek wisdom from Solomon. She traveled “from the ends of the earth,” demonstrating both initiative and determination. Jesus contrasts this with the complacency and skepticism of His audience, who had access to wisdom greater than Solomon’s but failed to recognize or value it.

2. Recognition of God’s Work

Upon meeting Solomon, the Queen of Sheba acknowledged the hand of God in his life and reign. She praised the Lord for His blessings upon Israel. In contrast, many in Jesus’ generation witnessed His miracles and teachings but remained blind to His divine authority.

3. Judgment and Accountability

Jesus warns that the Queen of Sheba will “rise at the judgment” and condemn the current generation. This is a symbolic way of saying that her actions—her openness, humility, and pursuit of truth—will stand in stark contrast to the closed-mindedness and disbelief of those who reject Jesus. Her example will serve as a testimony against those who, despite having greater revelation, refuse to respond.

“Something Greater than Solomon is Here”

One of the most profound aspects of Jesus’ statement is His claim that “something greater than Solomon is here.” Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the glory of his kingdom, was considered the pinnacle of Israelite monarchy. Yet, Jesus asserts that He surpasses Solomon in every respect—not just in wisdom, but also in authority, revelation, and divine mission.

By making this claim, Jesus subtly but clearly asserts His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the fulfillment of all that Solomon’s reign represented in the Old Testament. For His audience, this was a radical and potentially shocking assertion, challenging them to see beyond the surface and recognize the true nature of His mission.

Lessons for Today

The story of the Queen of Sheba, as referenced by Jesus, holds several important lessons for modern readers:

1. The Value of Seeking Truth

The Queen of Sheba’s example encourages us to seek wisdom and truth, even if it requires great effort or sacrifice. In a world filled with distractions and superficial answers, her determination reminds us of the importance of pursuing deeper understanding and spiritual insight.

2. Openness to God’s Revelation

Just as the Queen was willing to recognize God’s hand in Solomon’s life, we are called to be open to God’s work in our own lives and in the world around us. This requires humility and a willingness to see beyond our assumptions.

3. The Danger of Spiritual Complacency

Jesus’ warning to His generation serves as a caution against spiritual complacency. Having access to truth and revelation is a privilege, but it also brings responsibility. We are accountable for how we respond to God’s message.

4. The Supremacy of Jesus

By declaring Himself greater than Solomon, Jesus invites us to recognize His unique authority and role as the ultimate source of wisdom and salvation. This challenges us to place our trust and allegiance in Him above all else.

The Queen of Sheba in Christian Tradition

Beyond the biblical texts, the Queen of Sheba has occupied a significant place in Christian tradition, art, and literature. She is often portrayed as a symbol of the Gentile nations coming to seek the wisdom of Israel, and by extension, as a foreshadowing of the global reach of the Gospel.

In some traditions, particularly in Ethiopian Christianity, the Queen of Sheba is a foundational figure, believed to have established a royal lineage that traces its roots to King Solomon. Her story is celebrated as an early example of faith, curiosity, and recognition of God’s truth.

Conclusion

When Jesus spoke about the Queen of Sheba, He did more than recount an interesting historical episode. He used her as a mirror for His listeners—and for us. Her willingness to seek out wisdom, recognize God’s work, and respond with humility stands in contrast to the skepticism and spiritual indifference Jesus encountered. Through this reference, Jesus issues both a challenge and an invitation: to seek, to recognize, and to respond to the greater wisdom and revelation found in Him.