In Luke 17:20-21 it reads “Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, (21) nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”
Clearly, the Pharisees’ conception of the Kingdom of God differs from that of Jesus. They believed in a spectacular, eye popping coming of the Kingdom. The knight on a white horse riding in to save the day. Yet, in Luke 10:9, 11 and again in Luke 11:20, Jesus plainly says that it was already present, whether in the persons of the apostles or Himself, as exhibited in their acts. Acts can include miracles, conduct, and their messages. His statement in Luke 17:20-21 explains that they should not expect the arrival of the Kingdom to fit the image they expected.
Jesus’ own testimony clearly implies that the Kingdom of God was in their presence in His Person and ministry. Therefore, the last phrase of Luke 17:21 should be translated as, “The kingdom of God is among you.” He was in their midst, and He where he was so was the Kingdom of God.
God is present and near in the people to whom God has given His Spirit and has chosen to represent Him – those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They are all in the Kingdom because they have truly been born again. Their citizenship has changed from earthly to heavenly. Are you a citizen of heaven?
YIC – Pastor James L Henley Jr.
Fresh Start Christian Church 