Luke 17:20-21 - "The Kingdom of God is Within You"

v.21. People will not be able to say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For the kingdom of God is within you.

◇ When the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered that the kingdom of God is within you. This means that the kingdom of God has already come, but people have not recognized it. The kingdom of God had already come to the Pharisees, but they failed to perceive it.

Why were the Pharisees unable to recognize the kingdom of God that had come upon them? Perhaps they were expecting a kingdom of God that would involve independence from Rome and the seizure of worldly power. The disciples also seemed to view the kingdom of God as the time when they would wield earthly authority and power.

Jesus said that the kingdom of God was already within them. He had already revealed the kingdom of God to them. Jesus had demonstrated the kingdom of God by casting out demons, healing the sick, and teaching with authority. But the Pharisees had a "plank" in their eyes and ears, so they could not see or hear the kingdom of God that was right in front of them.

The kingdom of God is already in our midst. 

♧ Merciful and righteous God, remove the planks from my eyes and ears so that I may truly see and hear your kingdom. Help me to live as a citizen of your kingdom. Holy Spirit, strengthen and embolden me. Amen.