Luke 17:20 – “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,'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, the Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God will arrive. Their question reflects a common expectation among many Jews of the time—they believed the Messiah would bring a visible, earthly kingdom, overthrowing their Roman oppressors and restoring Israel’s political and national power. But Jesus’ response corrects their misunderstanding. He explains that the kingdom of God is not something they can pinpoint with signs or outward observation.
Jesus is teaching that the kingdom of God doesn’t come in the way they expect—it’s not a physical kingdom marked by grand displays of power. Instead, it begins as an inward reality, taking root in the hearts of those who follow Him. The kingdom is present wherever God reigns in people’s lives. Jesus is shifting their focus from an external, political expectation to a spiritual reality that requires faith to perceive.
Historical Context
At the time of Jesus, the Jews were living under Roman rule and eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, who they believed would establish a visible, earthly kingdom. Many thought the Messiah would be a military leader who would defeat Israel’s enemies and restore the nation’s former glory. This expectation shaped the Pharisees’ question—they wanted to know when this kingdom would arrive and what signs would precede it.
However, Jesus’ mission was different from what they expected. He didn’t come to establish a political kingdom or overthrow earthly rulers. Instead, He came to inaugurate a spiritual kingdom, one that would grow through His teaching, death, and resurrection. His answer to the Pharisees reflects His emphasis on the kingdom as something that is present and active in the lives of believers, even though it won’t be fully realized until His return.
Theological Implications
This verse challenges the idea that God’s kingdom is primarily about external signs or political power. Instead, it reveals that the kingdom of God is spiritual in nature, centered on God’s rule in the hearts of believers. When Jesus says the kingdom “is not something that can be observed,” He is teaching that it doesn’t come with outward, dramatic displays that everyone can see. Instead, it advances quietly and powerfully as people submit to God’s authority.
Theologically, this verse highlights the “already but not yet” nature of the kingdom of God. Through Jesus, the kingdom has already been inaugurated—it is present wherever people acknowledge Christ as King and live under His authority. However, it will not be fully realized until Jesus returns to establish His rule over all creation (Revelation 21:1-4). In the meantime, believers live as citizens of God’s kingdom, participating in its growth by sharing the gospel and living according to God’s will.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel frequently emphasizes the tension between human expectations and God’s reality. The Pharisees’ question about the kingdom reflects their limited understanding—they are focused on external signs and worldly power. Jesus’ response subverts their expectations, pointing to a deeper truth about the nature of God’s work.
The phrase “not something that can be observed” is key to understanding the passage. The Greek word for “observed” implies something that can be watched or predicted, like a weather pattern. Jesus is making it clear that the kingdom of God doesn’t arrive through observable, predictable events. It is not tied to human timelines or expectations but comes through God’s sovereign work.
Luke’s use of dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees underscores the central theme of his Gospel: God’s kingdom is for those who are willing to see with spiritual eyes, not just those looking for outward signs.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 18:36 – “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.'”
- Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
- Colossians 1:13 – “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.”
- Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
- Mark 1:15 – “‘The time has come,’ He said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern believers, this verse is a reminder that the kingdom of God is not something we can measure with physical signs or achievements. It’s not about political power, wealth, or worldly success—it’s about God’s rule in our hearts and lives. Christians are called to focus on spiritual growth, seeking God’s righteousness and living in obedience to His will.
This verse also encourages believers to trust that God is working, even when they don’t see obvious signs of His activity. The kingdom of God often advances quietly, through small acts of obedience, prayer, and service. As Christians, we are called to be part of this work, knowing that our efforts contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom, even when the results aren’t immediately visible.
Additionally, this verse challenges us to evaluate where we place our hope. The Pharisees were looking for a visible kingdom, but Jesus points us to a kingdom that is present wherever people surrender their lives to God. Instead of looking for external signs, Christians are called to nurture an internal relationship with God and trust that His kingdom is advancing according to His plan.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that His kingdom is not limited to a specific time, place, or group of people. Instead of establishing a physical kingdom that could be restricted by borders or political systems, God’s kingdom is open to anyone who places their faith in Jesus. This reflects God’s desire for all people to experience His love and salvation.
By establishing a spiritual kingdom, God shows that His focus is not just on outward appearances but on transforming hearts. His love is personal, reaching into the lives of individuals and bringing them into a relationship with Him. This verse reminds us that God’s love is not about temporary, external victories—it’s about eternal, inward transformation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the King of God’s kingdom, and His life, death, and resurrection are what make this kingdom possible. When Jesus tells the Pharisees that the kingdom is not something they can observe, He is pointing to the reality that it is found in Him. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated what it means to live under God’s rule—showing love, mercy, justice, and obedience to the Father.
Through His death on the cross, Jesus secured the victory that allows believers to be part of God’s kingdom. His resurrection is the ultimate sign that the kingdom of God is both present and future. As believers, we live in the reality of His reign now, while waiting for the day when His kingdom will be fully established at His return (Revelation 21:1-4).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you understand the idea that the kingdom of God is already here but not yet fully realized?
- Are there times when you’ve been more focused on outward signs of God’s work rather than His inward work in your heart?
- How can you participate in the growth of God’s kingdom in your daily life?
- What does this verse teach you about trusting God’s plan, even when you don’t see immediate results?
- How does recognizing Jesus as the King of God’s kingdom shape the way you live and make decisions?
This verse challenges believers to look beyond outward appearances and seek the deeper reality of God’s kingdom in their lives. By living under the authority of Christ, we can experience His peace and joy now, while eagerly awaiting the day when His kingdom will be fully realized.