Dear families,
As King David neared the end of his life, he desired for his son, Solomon, to walk in God’s ways, obey His commands, and honor the Lord as he continued their family line on Israel’s throne. Though Solomon would not be a perfect king over Israel, he was able to lead the people with the wisdom he received from God. In the wisdom of King Solomon, we see a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, the true embodiment of godly wisdom in human form.
What was the significance of Solomon asking for wisdom? How is Jesus greater than Solomon?
Perhaps it was David’s last words to his son which prompted Solomon to ask for wisdom. After all, when God spoke to Solomon in the dream, Solomon responded by recalling how his father walked in God’s ways. In any case, Solomon told God that he was inexperienced and just a youth. Solomon’s humble request for wisdom pleased God, and He generously bestowed Solomon with wisdom, wealth, and honor. Solomon’s request for wisdom revealed a heart that desired to esteem God by governing His people and discerning between good and evil.
Still, the wisdom of Solomon pales in comparison to the wisdom of Christ. Jesus fully embodied wisdom by perfectly fearing and obeying the Lord. Infinitely greater than Solomon is the wisdom of God’s Son, who formed the world, rules the world, and sustains the world. 1 Corinthians 1:30 tells us that Jesus, “became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.” Only through Jesus can we receive the wisdom to walk in God’s ways with hearts that desire to glorify Him. When we know Jesus, we know wisdom.
Reflect on the wisdom of God offered to us through Jesus Christ. Consider His gift of wisdom in your own life as you have matured in your faith. Pray for the Lord to open your children’s hearts to their need for not only wisdom, but the salvation that grows our wisdom as we continue to walk in the Lord’s ways.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Babies & Toddlers: Solomon asked for wisdom, and God gave it to him. When we ask God for help, He will help us. God helped us by giving us His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sins.
Younger Preschool: Solomon asked for wisdom, and God gave it to him. When we ask God for help, He will help us. God helped us in the greatest way by giving us His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sins.
Older Preschool: Solomon asked God for wisdom to know right and wrong. Jesus had perfect wisdom, and He never did anything wrong. Jesus is the best King. He lived a perfect life to rescue sinners by dying on the cross and rising again.
Kids: God gave Solomon wisdom to lead His people. Jesus is wisdom, and He leads those who trust in Him to eternal life. When we follow Jesus, we become wise.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Younger Preschool: What does God know? God knows everything.
Older Preschool: What does God know? God knows everything.
Kids: What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Babies & Toddlers: Obey the LORD and do what is right. Proverbs 3:7
Younger Preschool: Fear the LORD and turn from evil. Proverbs 3:7
Older Preschool: Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7
Kids: Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7
** Next week: Solomon Built the Temple (1 Kings 6-8)