Understanding Luke 17:20-21 and the Kingdom of God
The Bible, particularly the Gospel of Luke, includes profound teachings that challenge our understanding of spiritual concepts such as the Kingdom of God. One notable passage is Luke 17:20-21, where Jesus responds to a common question from the Pharisees about the timing and nature of the Kingdom of God. This article aims to explore the meaning of this passage and provide insights into Jesus' teachings.
The Pharisees' Question and Jesus' Response
Jesus was asked by the Pharisees, a religious group known for their strict adherence to Jewish law, when the Kingdom of God would come. Their expectation was a physical and political kingdom, one that would bring supernatural and physical power, ultimately freeing prophesied messianic deliverance from Roman rule. However, Jesus clarified that the Kingdom of God is not to be observed as a physical or visible kingdom with a king who would defeat the Romans.
Luke 17:20-21 (NIV Bible) states:When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he replied, The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed. 21 Nor will people say, lsquo;Here it is!rsquo; or lsquo;There it is!rsquo; because the kingdom of God is in your midst.
The Nature of the Kingdom of God
The passage reveals that the Kingdom of God cannot be seen as a physical entity. Rather, it is within the midst of the people, emphasizing a spiritual presence rather than a physical kingdom. Two translations of the phrase the kingdom of God is in your midst are among you and inside you. While among you is more common, both translations convey that the kingdom is present and active among the people, not hidden inside them.
Christ as the Presence of the Kingdom
Jesus suggests that the kingdom is present among the people through His own person. He further explains: The kingdom of God is among you-citizens of this spiritual realm are those who believe in Jesus, embracing His rule in their lives. This spiritual presence is not visible to the naked eye; it is evident through the transformation brought about by faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's Reference to the Kingdom
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, elaborates on the nature of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing its spiritual nature: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17-18) These passages highlight that the kingdom is not confined to physical or temporal realities; it is a spiritual state that can only be experienced through the faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Implications for Modern Understanding
Jesus' teachings in Luke 17:20-21 have profound implications for contemporary Christians. They encourage a belief in a present and active spiritual kingdom, grounded in faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. This kingdom is not something to be predicted or located, but it is to be experienced through our daily lives and encounters with the divine presence of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
By understanding Luke 17:20-21 in the context of Jesus' teachings, we can appreciate the spiritual nature of the Kingdom of God. It is a present reality that transforms individuals through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to live in this kingdom, allowing the presence of God to be manifested in their lives and communities. Whether visible or not, the kingdom of God is among us, bringing righteousness, peace, and joy.