Monday Devo
Scripture:
Luke 17:20-21
20 One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?”
Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. 21 You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.”
20 One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?”
Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. 21 You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.”
Commentary:
17:20 The Pharisees apparently desire to know the cosmic signs preceding the coming of the kingdom so that they can be sure not to miss it. Jesus replies that the kingdom will not involve any signs to be observed (a phrase that translates a Greek word paratērēsis that occurs only here in the entire Bible). In light of vv. 21–37, Jesus apparently means that the arrival of the kingdom of God will not be accompanied by spectacular signs in the heavens but rather that the kingdom will come quietly, evident only in the change in people’s lives. (Thus “not … with signs” does not mean “not with miracles,” for the common NT word for “sign” with the meaning of “miracle” is Greek sēmeion, which does not occur in this verse.)
17:21 The Pharisees repeat their mistake of 14:15 in not recognizing that the kingdom of God has already come. It is in the midst of you, in the person of Jesus and in the reign of God manifested in those who are already following Jesus. Some understand Jesus to say here that the kingdom is “within you,” but he would not say that to disbelieving Pharisees.
17:21 The Pharisees repeat their mistake of 14:15 in not recognizing that the kingdom of God has already come. It is in the midst of you, in the person of Jesus and in the reign of God manifested in those who are already following Jesus. Some understand Jesus to say here that the kingdom is “within you,” but he would not say that to disbelieving Pharisees.
Questions:
- In Luke 17, Jesus is asked questions about the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees asked Him when it would come. Jesus answers them with references to Daniel 7 about "one like a son of man" coming from the clouds. He answers their questions and also instructs his disciples on this day we all look forward to. First, the Kingdom to come is going to be PERSONAL. Jesus said the Kingdom of God is already in our midst. Jesus is making clear that the Kingdom is all about THE KING. It's about Jesus, and when He comes back we will be with Him forever. How amazing is it to think about the FACT that one day you will see Jesus, in the flesh, face to face? What might your reaction in that moment be?
- Do you see the irony in these verses? The Pharisees, who considered themselves the most pious and dedicated to the Law, wanted to make sure they didn't miss the coming of God's Kingdom. And yet the one they are asking IS the Messiah. They've already missed it. Even after hearing Jesus' answer they were still blinded to the truth. We all have blinds spots in our lives. But one we can't afford to have is when it comes to recognizing our Savior. Are there any in your life who, like the Pharisees, think they know the truth but are actually blinded to it? How can you start to try to get them to see? How often are you praying for them?
Pray:
- That you would look forward to the day you see Him face to face.
- That you would do everything you can to help those around you see the truth.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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