Luke 17:20-21,
John 3:1-21.
“What do we usually think of when we hear the word – ‘kingdom’?”.
Many may imagine a physical realm with a reigning ruler but in the above passages, Jesus redefines the kingdom as something spiritual and internal.
In Luke 17:20-21:
The Pharisees ask when the kingdom will come, expecting an external sign or event because according to Theologians, Jesus personally mentioned “Kingdom of God” 54 times in Matthew, Mark & Luke Gospels.
According to Jesus: “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed… for behold, the kingdom of God is within you”.
When Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21), He was correcting a misunderstanding about the nature of God’s kingdom. The Pharisees and many others in Israel expected a visible, earthly kingdom, looking for external signs of its arrival, to establish a kingdom that would overthrow Roman rule and establish Israel as the most powerful nation under a messianic king.
But in Jesus teaching the kingdom is “within you” or “in your midst”:
To Him the Kingdom is Spiritual, Not Political or External:
Jesus emphasized that God’s kingdom is not an earthly, political realm, but a spiritual reality. It is not defined by physical borders, armies, or government structures. Instead, the kingdom exists wherever God reigns – first and foremost in the hearts of people who believe in His gospel.
Also, Jesus presence during His earthly ministry brought the Kingdom.
Some translations interpret Jesus’ statement as “the kingdom of God is in your midst.” In this context, Jesus was pointing to Himself – God’s kingdom was present among them because Jesus, the King, was standing in their midst. He embodied the kingdom through His life, teaching, and ministry.
Sowherever Jesus was, the kingdom was present. His healings, miracles and teachings all demonstrated the reality of God’s Kingdom breaking into the world.
Moreso, when Jesus emphasized that the Kingdom Begins in the Hearts of Believers. Jesus highlighted the fact that God’s rule begins within a person, through inner transformation rather than looking for external signs. He called the people to look inward and allow God to speak to them, rule their hearts and lives.
When He said the Kingdom is Already Here, But Not Yet Fully Realized – He reflected on the “already but not yet” nature of His kingdom. The kingdom had already arrived in a spiritual sense because of Jesus presence and work while He was on earth but it would not be fully realized until His second coming. While believers experience the kingdom now through faith and the Holy Spirit, His Kingdom shall come in full circle when Jesus returns in His glory and Majesty.
To crowned His teaching, Jesus said to Pilate in John 18:36: “My kingdom is not of this world.” He emphasized that His kingdom transcends earthly power and will ultimately be revealed in God’s appointed time.
Jesus is seeking for a Personal Relationship with you, so that you can be part of His kingdom. This can be possible through repentance, faith, and spiritual rebirth as written in John gospel 3:3, individuals enter the kingdom and experience its benefits. Jesus invited people to stop looking outward for signs and start seeking an inner relationship with God that transforms their lives.
In view of this, Jesus in John 3:3: told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This entails that entering the kingdom is about inner renewal, yielding to the Holy Spirit, not external signs.
In His submission, the kingdom of God is “within you” is to teach us that God’s reign starts in the hearts of individuals. It is a spiritual reality that transforms lives from the inside out, not just physical. The kingdom of God is about God’s reign over us as believers who accept Jesus, abides inhissteps and live according to His tenets.
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