What if the kingdom of God was closer than you realized—right in your midst?
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus challenges our expectations, showing us that the kingdom of God is not something to wait for with visible signs but something that is already present among us.
Key Verse: “Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” – Luke 17:21 (NASB)
Background Context: In Luke 17:20-21, the Pharisees question Jesus about when the kingdom of God would come. They were expecting a dramatic, visible event—perhaps a political or military upheaval. But Jesus corrects their expectations, teaching them that the kingdom of God is not coming with outward signs to be observed. Instead, He tells them that the kingdom is already in their midst. Just before this passage, in Luke 17:11-19, Jesus healed ten lepers, yet only one—a Samaritan—returned to thank Him. This context of gratitude, healing, and faith gives deeper meaning to Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God.
20Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Reflection on Luke 17:20-21:
- The Pharisees’ Expectation vs. Jesus’ Revelation: The Pharisees, like many others at the time, were looking for the kingdom of God to arrive in a visible, dramatic way—perhaps through a revolutionary leader or a political overthrow. They expected something grand and undeniable. However, Jesus redirects their focus, explaining that the kingdom of God is not something that will come with outward signs or spectacular events (Luke 17:20). It challenges us to reconsider how we view God’s kingdom. Are we looking for outward evidence, or are we seeking His presence in our everyday lives?
- The Kingdom in Their Midst: Jesus’ statement, “the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:21), carries profound meaning. The kingdom of God is not something we have to search for or wait for—it’s already present in the person of Jesus. As the King of the kingdom, Jesus embodies the very reign of God, and through His presence, the kingdom was already breaking into the world. In this sense, the kingdom of God is a spiritual reality that transforms hearts and lives, rather than a political entity or physical location.
- Gratitude and the Kingdom of God: The story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19) immediately preceding this passage gives us insight into how the kingdom of God operates. The one leper who returned to thank Jesus demonstrated a recognition of who Jesus truly was—a deeper understanding of God’s presence and power. While all ten were physically healed, only one came back in gratitude and faith, and Jesus told him, “Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:19). This shows us that the kingdom of God is revealed in the hearts of those who respond to Jesus with faith, gratitude, and recognition of His authority.
- The Kingdom is Here and Now: Jesus’ teaching reminds us that the kingdom of God is not just something in the distant future—it is here and now. It is present wherever hearts are turned toward God, where people live in obedience to Christ, and where faith and gratitude shape our relationship with Him. The healed Samaritan leper exemplified this reality—his response to Jesus was a demonstration of how the kingdom of God works in the midst of everyday life.
Summary Key Points:
- The Kingdom is Not Always Visible: The kingdom of God does not come with outward signs or political power, but it is already present, operating in a way that transforms lives from the inside out.
- Jesus Embodies the Kingdom: Jesus Himself is the manifestation of the kingdom of God. His presence among the people signaled the arrival of God’s reign.
- Gratitude and Faith Reveal the Kingdom: The one leper who returned to thank Jesus demonstrated a heart that understood God’s kingdom. His faith made him whole, showing that the kingdom of God is revealed in faith and gratitude.
- The Kingdom is Here and Now: The kingdom of God is not a distant reality to be waited for; it is present wherever hearts are yielded to Jesus and His will is done.
Application: Take time to reflect on your own expectations of God’s kingdom. Are you waiting for dramatic signs, or are you recognizing God’s presence in your daily life? Consider the areas where you’ve seen God’s work in your life—like the one leper who returned in gratitude, how are you responding to His grace and mercy? Embrace the truth that God’s kingdom is in your midst right now, in the seemingly ordinary moments of your life. Let your faith and gratitude be the gateway through which you experience His kingdom more fully.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the truth that Your kingdom is in our midst, through the presence of Jesus. Help us to see Your hand at work in our daily lives and to respond with faith and gratitude. Teach us to recognize that Your kingdom is not just something we are waiting for, but something that is here and now, transforming our hearts and lives. May we live in the reality of Your reign, submitting ourselves to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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