“Something greater.” It’s a phrase Jesus uses three times in Matthew 12–a phrase that gives me hope.
I never had the opportunity to see the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem with my own eyes. It was destroyed centuries before I was born. And yet, I can confidently draw near to God in my time of need. How? My Advocate says in Matthew 12:6, “Something greater than the temple is here.”
I never had the opportunity to meet an Old Testament prophet in person. Those men served their God-appointed-purposes centuries before I was born. And yet, when it comes to repentance and the forgiveness of my sins, I have hope. Why? My Savior says in Matthew 12:41, “Something greater than Jonah is here.”
I never had the opportunity to come from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon with my own ears. He died centuries before I was born. And yet, I have no fear of missing out. I can open my Bible to the New Testament and gain insights into the mystery of God’s eternal purpose–the fulfillment of the plan he had before the foundation of the world. I can know more about where I’ve come from, why I’m here, and where I’m going than even Solomon knew. How? My Teacher says in Matthew 12:42, “Something greater than Solomon is here.”
Jesus is the “something greater” of Matthew 12. Greater than Solomon the wise. Greater than Jonah the prophet. Greater than the temple itself. Jesus is greater.
“In his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matt 12:21)