“Jesus replied, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, Here it is, or There it is, because the kingdom of God is within you.’”
Luke 17:20-21
What do you imagine when you think of the kingdom of God? Do you envision a paradise that will come when Jesus returns to initiate the new heavens and new earth? Or do you see a Disneyland-like castle where the saints will all live when they pass on from this life?
What if a better picture of the kingdom looks nothing like these two images? During Jesus’ three years of earthly ministry, He told parables of the kingdom to give a picture of it to His listeners. Sometimes this left people feeling lost and confused (especially those who felt the kingdom of God was something they could achieve by their own good works).
What they didn’t seem to notice was that Jesus initiated the kingdom of God on earth when He arrived as fully man and fully God. The kingdom of God isn’t a far off place where the saints go in the next life. It’s here. It’s now. It’s in the heart of every believer.
So as you follow Christ and focus on the kingdom of God, remember that it’s your job to bring it to others through a life of gracious, winsome compassion.
What if a better picture of the kingdom looks nothing like these two images? During Jesus’ three years of earthly ministry, He told parables of the kingdom to give a picture of it to His listeners. Sometimes this left people feeling lost and confused (especially those who felt the kingdom of God was something they could achieve by their own good works).
What they didn’t seem to notice was that Jesus initiated the kingdom of God on earth when He arrived as fully man and fully God. The kingdom of God isn’t a far off place where the saints go in the next life. It’s here. It’s now. It’s in the heart of every believer.
So as you follow Christ and focus on the kingdom of God, remember that it’s your job to bring it to others through a life of gracious, winsome compassion.
Scripture Focus
Matthew 13:24-51
Insight
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Bible In A Year
- Deuteronomy 17-18
- Psalm 88
- Acts 11-12