…having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, 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 see 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 imagine 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 show an abstract picture to His listeners. But sometimes this left the people listening feeling lost and confused.
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 is here. It is now. It is in the heart of every believer.
So as you follow Christ and focus on the kingdom of God, remember that it’s alive in you. And it’s your job to bring it to others through a life that emanates the graciousness, winsomeness, and compassion of Jesus.



Scripture Focus

Matthew 13:10-51

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

  • 1 Chronicles 10-11
  • Proverbs 29
  • Revelation 13-14

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