What is the meaning of Luke 17:20? When asked by the Pharisees • The Pharisees, strict guardians of tradition, often questioned Jesus to test Him (Matthew 12:38; Luke 11:53–54). • Their questions sprang from skepticism, not humble curiosity; they wanted to expose what they perceived as flaws in Jesus’ messianic claims (John 8:13). • Scripture presents the encounter as historically true; Luke, “having carefully investigated everything” (Luke 1:3), records this moment to show the contrast between religious scrutiny and divine revelation. When the kingdom of God would come • The Pharisees expected a dramatic, political breakthrough like Daniel 2:44 or Isaiah 9:7—an undeniable, earth-shaking reign that would expel Rome. • Their focus on timing echoes the disciples’ later question: “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” (Acts 1:6). • While the kingdom certainly includes a future, visible reign (Revelation 11:15), Jesus also proclaimed its present reality breaking in through His ministry (Matthew 12:28). • Their question reveals a heart fixed on outward events rather than personal submission to the King (John 3:3–5). Jesus replied • Jesus answers authoritatively, not evasively. All wisdom and timing belong to Him (John 18:36; Matthew 24:35). • His response redirects attention from speculation to recognition: before talking about dates, acknowledge the King standing in front of you (John 5:39–40). • He never denies the kingdom’s ultimate physical arrival; instead, He corrects their misconception about how it begins. “The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs.” • “Observable signs” points to spectacular, sky-filling phenomena the Pharisees demanded (Luke 11:16). Jesus says the initial phase will be quiet, spiritual, discerned by faith. • The kingdom is “in your midst” (Luke 17:21)—present wherever the King is recognized. It is like seed that “sprouts and grows, yet he does not know how” (Mark 4:26–29). • Romans 14:17 reminds us, “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” It works inwardly before it is unveiled outwardly. • Yet prophecy assures a future, visible consummation: “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). The hidden present kingdom and the forthcoming glorious kingdom are two stages of one seamless reality. summary Luke 17:20 teaches that the kingdom begins quietly, present wherever Christ is received, not announced by spectacular signs demanded by skeptics. While a future visible reign is certain, Jesus insists that recognizing His authority here and now is the first step into that everlasting kingdom. |
    |