May 05 2025

Monday May 05

Luke 17:20-21 – The Kingdom Within

From the Inside Out

“Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, “See here!” or “See there!” For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.’”

Today, It is my prayer today that our Heavenly Father will open our hearts to His Word and help us understand the true nature of His kingdom and how it transforms us from within. And that He would guide us by His Spirit to live as citizens of His kingdom.

The Pharisees were looking for a kingdom they could see. Along with most of the Jewish people thew were looking for a grand, political empire that would elevate their nation and crush their enemies. They wanted a Messiah who would arrive with pomp, power, and a clear timeline. When John the Baptist showed up with his message, some thought he might be the Messiah (John 1:19-27). But then the attention of the nation turned to Jesus, especially after John was beheaded.

The Pharisees' question was legitimate, but it was also tragic; for Jesus had been ministering among them for some three years, and these men were still in spiritual darkness. They did not understand who Jesus was or what He was seeking to accomplish. Their views of the kingdom were political, not spiritual; Jewish, not universal. Jesus did not deny that there would be a future earthly kingdom, but He did emphasize the importance of the spiritual kingdom that could be entered only by the new birth (John 3:1-8).

Jesus’ response to their question about the kingdom turned their expectations upside down. The kingdom of God, He said, doesn’t come with “observation”, which meant it wasn’t going to come with fanfare or visible signs you can point to and say, “There it is!” God's plan for a visible, millennial kingdom was dependent upon the Jews' accepting the spiritual truths of the kingdom as preached by John and Jesus (John 3:1-12). The mystery parables of Matthew 13 reveal that the plan to establish an earthly kingdom was postponed because of the Jews' attitude toward the King. Instead, Jesus answer is that His kingdom is already present, working in a way they couldn’t imagine: within people’s hearts.

Jesus’ words should challenge us to rethink what God’s kingdom is. It’s not about external power, wealth, or status. It’s not confined to a specific place or a dramatic event. The kingdom of God is spiritual, transforming us from the inside out. It begins when we surrender to Jesus as King, allowing His love, grace, and truth to reign in our hearts. This kingdom changes how we think, act, and love others. It makes us humble where we were proud, generous where we were selfish, and hopeful where we were discouraged.

When Jesus told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God is within you,” He wasn’t saying they already had it—they rejected Him! Instead, He was pointing to Himself, the King standing in their midst, and urging them to recognize the kingdom’s presence through a changed heart. For us, this means the kingdom is already here, accessible through faith in Christ. It’s in the quiet moments when we choose forgiveness over bitterness, service over selfishness, or trust in God over worry. It’s in the way we reflect Jesus to the world.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come….”. In Matthew chapters 5-7, Jesus gave us the “principles of the kingdom”. Only by the new spiritual birth (John 3:3-7), can we see or enter this kingdom. And then only by His Holy Spirit living within us can we experience the reality of living by the principles of His kingdom.

Today, this truth should challenges us. Like the Pharisees, we can get caught up looking for God’s kingdom in the wrong places, expecting it in material success, public recognition, or a perfect life. Jesus calls us to look inward. Is His kingdom ruling in our hearts? Are we living as His ambassadors, showing His love and truth in our everyday actions?

May the Lord help us to focus on cultivating God’s kingdom within. Before I get out of bed each day, I pray the Lord’s Prayer to remind myself that I want to experience His Lordship in every aspect of my life. Today, would you take five minutes to pray and ask God to reveal one area of your heart where He wants to reign more fully, maybe it’s an attitude, a habit, or a relationship. Then, take one practical step to align that area with His kingdom values.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being our King and bringing Your kingdom near. Help us to seek Your kingdom within our hearts, not in the things of this world (Matthew 6:33). Transform us by Your Spirit to live as Your people, reflecting Your love and truth. Guide us in this week’s challenge to let You reign in every part of our lives. Amen.

God bless.