Where is the Kingdom of God?
Let us embark on a journey to explore one of Jesus’ most profound teachings—a truth that has challenged minds and hearts for centuries: Where is the Kingdom of God?
The Scene and the Question
The Pharisees, ever curious and often critical, demand an answer from Jesus: “When will the kingdom of God come?” (Luke 17:20).
Jesus responds with words that turn their expectations upside down:
“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21, KJV)
Imagine the setting. People gathered, yearning for a visible sign, a moment of spectacle, a kingdom they could point to and declare, “There it is!” Yet, Jesus dismantles their assumptions.
The word “observation” here is key. It conveys the idea of looking for outward signs or evidence, expecting the kingdom to manifest as something visible or dramatic. The Greek term used, parateresis (παρατήρησις), implies close, skeptical watching, almost as if inspecting with the intent to prove or disprove.
Jesus tells us the kingdom does not come through outward appearances, nor can it be observed in the way we might watch for an earthly event. The divine reality of the kingdom transcends what the human eye can see or the mind can calculate.
Conditioning and Misunderstanding
Why do so many christians struggle to grasp this truth? For centuries, we have been conditioned—often unknowingly—to look outside ourselves for wisdom, the Holy Spirit, and even God. We are taught to expect divine power in grand gestures or through intermediaries, such as religious institutions or leaders.
This external focus has fostered a kind of spiritual dependency, where God is perceived as distant, unattainable, and accessible only through external structures. The idea that the kingdom is within us is often dismissed, misunderstood, or even viewed as heretical in some circles.
But consider this: What if Jesus’ words challenge us to break free from this conditioning? What if the divine presence has been dwelling within us all along, waiting for us to turn inward and discover the truth?
Two Translations, Two Perspectives
To explore this further, let’s compare two translations of Luke 17:21:
- Year 1611-KJV: “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
- This emphasizes an inner reality—a spiritual presence residing within individuals. It invites personal reflection and transformation.
- Year 1995-NAS95: “Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
- Here, “in your midst” shifts the focus outward, suggesting the kingdom is present among the people, possibly referring to Jesus’ physical presence or His ministry.
These subtle differences may seem minor, but they have profound implications. Does the kingdom reside within the hearts of individuals, or is it something external and collective?
Observation vs. Revelation
Let’s return to the idea of “observation.”
- Observation implies a detached, external search for something visible and measurable.
- But the kingdom of God requires revelation—a spiritual awakening that comes from within. It is not about outward signs but about inner transformation.
Jesus’ teaching challenges us to move beyond merely watching and waiting for God to act externally. Instead, it invites us to experience His presence through an inward journey, where the Spirit reveals the truth in the depths of our being.
Seeking Truth with Diligence
This brings us to an essential practice: discerning truth through careful study. Small changes in translation, like “within you” versus “in your midst,” can shift the meaning significantly. To uncover the full depth of Jesus’ teachings, we must seek the oldest and most reliable sources, ideally in the original languages.
Personally, I find the KJV phrasing compelling. The phrase “within you” aligns with the transformative and personal nature of Jesus’ message, emphasizing that God’s kingdom is not confined to external structures but dwells in the hearts of believers.
Understanding the Phrases
To deepen our understanding, consider these distinctions:
- “Within you“:
- Refers to something internal—spiritual, emotional, or mental.
- Suggests the kingdom is about personal transformation and the indwelling of God’s Spirit.
- Example: “Peace is within you.”
- “In your midst“:
- Refers to something external, present among a group or community.
- Emphasizes collective experiences or the visible work of God.
- Example: “He stood in their midst.”
Both perspectives hold meaning, but the context of Jesus’ response suggests a deeper, more personal truth.
The Call to Curiosity
Finally, let us allow curiosity to guide us. What does it mean for the kingdom to reside within? How might this change the way we seek God, understand His presence, and live our lives?
Jesus’ teaching is not a riddle here to solve but an invitation to discover. It calls us to look beyond outward appearances and open our hearts to the profound reality that God’s Spirit is already at work within us.
So, pause and reflect: Are you searching for the kingdom through observation, or are you ready to embrace the revelation that it is already within you?
Author of ‘The Rich Feast The Poor Fast’