Scripture: Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:20-21
Observation: Jesus uses the term "kingdom of God" often, and just as often it seems to be misunderstood as a time of an earthly reign. Sometimes this reign will be by God, sometimes by Messiah, but that is the general understanding. This makes sense when the prophets repeatedly spoke of a future king that would rule the earth. However, Jesus repeatedly speaks of the kingdom of God as a vague and unidentifiable thing. Eventually it becomes clearer that he is talking about the Christian era ... the time from the revelation of Messiah when the Holy Spirit will be available to all people, Yahweh will become known through Jesus to the entire world, and salvation by faith will be available.
It is interesting in this passages that Jesus tells them that the kingdom of God is within them - in their midst - and yet he is not directly addressing the disciples. He is addressing ... a question from the Pharisees. This questioning does not appear to be done in conflict either, as is the context with some similar encounters, but perhaps the Pharisees are asking a genuine question for which they do not understand the answer.
Application: I believe Jesus saw the potential for faith in the Pharisees. We do understand both in the scriptures and historical sources that eventually some of them did believe. Jesus repeatedly calls out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, and yet he continues to interact with them regularly. He doesn't avoid, but engages, and (when they allow it) engages constructively.
The kingdom of God can be within the Pharisees because the Holy Spirit and participation in the body of Christ is available to all people, from outcasts to hypocrites to laborers to foreigners. However, they must consciously seek the truth.
I cannot be like the people in Noah's time, or those who ignored Jesus, or Lot's wife. I must actively pay attention to the kingdom - which is right here with me - and engage in that kingdom. I don't need to go looking for it here or there, for it is within me, and the within the Church of Christ.
Prayer: Lord, may I find your kingdom today, not because I seek it, but because I bring it with me to this place. Amen.
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