The Queen of Sheba Visited Solomon
(1 Kings 10:1-13)
January 18, 2026
Sunday Recap
•
Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
By 1 Kings 10, word had spread to the queen of Sheba about the amazing wisdom of King Solomon. She traveled to his courts with an entourage of great abundance—camels, spices, gold, and precious stones. Solomon's acclaim, however, served a greater purpose for the queen: blessing the Lord of Israel (1 Kings 10:9).
What did the queen of Sheba discover during her visit? How does the queen’s amazement demonstrate the same amazement that the crowds experienced through the teachings of Jesus?
When the queen of Sheba surveyed the king’s wisdom in conversation, as well as the splendor of life in his palace, it took her breath away. The rumors of his wisdom and prosperity didn’t offer the full picture of what life in his kingdom was really like. She recognized the king’s justice and righteousness. She acknowledged God's eternal love for His people and how happy Solomon's men were because of his wisdom. The queen recognized how 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. Jesus spoke about the wisdom of Solomon, but regarding Himself and His own wisdom said, “... something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). Jesus had come to lead people into true wisdom: faith in Him.
Lead the children in your care to see that Jesus is who He says He is: the mightiest King with the greatest wisdom, authority, and power. Pray they would be amazed by King Jesus and trust in Him. Ask the Lord to show them how to walk by faith in His wisdom.
** Next week: Wisdom of God’s People (Proverbs 1; 3-4)
Family Discipleship Plan
•
Family Discipleship Plan •
-
Read 1 Kings 10:1-13 from the Bible.
-
Barnaby Swinburn is a British boy who is incredibly smart! In January 2024, at just 12 years old, Barnaby scored 162 on an IQ test he received for Christmas. His IQ score is believed to be higher than geniuses like Albert Einstein, and it placed Barnaby in the top 1% of the population. Sounds like Barnaby is super smart!
When God gave Solomon the wisdom he asked for, people from other parts of the world heard about Solomon. When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, she wanted to know if he was truly as wise as the rumors she’d heard. When she talked with Solomon and saw his kingdom, the queen knew that Solomon was blessed.
Solomon’s wisdom came from God. When people saw the way Solomon ruled with justice and righteousness, it was a picture of the God who had given Solomon that wisdom. In an even greater way, God shows us His justice and righteousness by sending Jesus to save sinners. Jesus is greater than Solomon because He comes with the highest wisdom, greatest authority, and perfect righteousness.
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.
Pray: Thank You, God, for showing us Your justice and righteousness through Solomon and even more through Jesus. Help us trust in Your wisdom over all the other treasures of this world. Most of all, help us see how Jesus is perfect wisdom and perfect righteousness for us. Amen.
-
Preschool:
"Fear the LORD and turn from evil."
Proverbs 3:71st-5th:
“Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Have respect for the Lord and avoid evil.”
Proverbs 3:7 -
Mornings
Ask God to give you wisdom for the situations you will encounter today. Ask Him to help you use the gifts He gives you to help others and show His goodness to them. If God was pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom, how do you think He feels when we ask for wisdom?
Evenings
Thank God for the wisdom of His Word, the Bible. Praise God for giving us all 66 books of the Bible to help us learn about Him, see His plan to save us through Jesus, and show us how to live for Him. How has the Bible been wisdom to help you?
-
For Fun
Decorate a small box or jar as a “Wisdom Box.” Every time you have a question or a problem you need help with, write it down on a slip of paper and put it in the box. Ask God to help you find the answers in His Word or from the wise advice of others. After some time, check back and see how God has helped you through those challenges! Use the same slips of paper to record the ways God’s wisdom helps you and celebrate His goodness toward your family.
To Serve
Research organizations that help translate the Bible for people groups who don’t have the Bible in their language. Discuss how God’s Word is wisdom for these people and why we want to help put Scripture into their language to help them know God. Pray for the people groups who will receive the Bible in their language. Ask God to give them wisdom to know Him and believe in Jesus.