Reflecting on Luke 17:20-21“…because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21)
Jesus is answering the Pharisees; how is the kingdom ‘entos’ them?
This word normally means ‘within’ or ‘inside’ (see Matthew 23:37).
In that verse, Jesus calls the Pharisees cups that are dirty ‘inside’.
How can Pharisees, who resist Jesus and are dirty inside, have the kingdom in them?
Assuming not, some translations translate it ‘among’ or ‘in your midst’.
Jesus is challenging their external understanding of the kingdom.
They expected external control, military strength, having positions of authority.
Jesus says you cannot see the kingdom like this, because it is not external.
It starts on the inside where God dwells, and we have the ability to respond.
This kingdom of God is revealed as human image-bearers live it out.
Jesus is the kingdom of God; a God-like human living, loving and leading like God.
As we surrender our hearts to Jesus, we become the kingdom of God in this world.
God and Jesus live in us by the Spirit; as we abide in them, we produce good fruit.
Our prayer should not be ‘change this world, O God!’, but ‘change my heart, O God!’
If I want to see peace on earth, I need to let it begin in me!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You showed us what God's 'very good' kingdom looked like when you live, loved and led like Adam and Eve were supposed to. Your loving God and people is the kingdom of God in our midst, and with Your help it is within us too. May Your kingdom come, Your will be done in me as it is in heaven!