Luke 17:20-21
Now at one point the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was coming, so he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is in your grasp.” Luke 17:20-21 (Luke for Everyone, Commentary by N.T. Wright)
A cousin of mine talks about Jesus like he is a present and active part of her life. One night when we were in Junior High, we were at our aunt’s house and I was introduced to “the rapture, the great tribulation, and the second coming of Jesus” (look it up if you don’t know what these are and if you are really brave). The idea that it was something you would look forward to was lost on me. Truthfully, I was afraid to walk home that night.
If you read further in Luke 17, you can see how someone might come up with those ideas, but that’s not really what this passage is talking about. N.T. Wright, a respected English Bible scholar and theologian, links all of the references to events that were actually happening. Jesus was speaking directly to those events.
So, what are these verses saying? Most translations are similar until it comes to the end of verse 21. Here are some of the different ways the last part of verse 21 have been translated . . .
- . . . God’s kingdom is among you. (NIRV)
- . . . the kingdom of God is in your midst. (NET)
- . . . behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV)
- . . . God's kingdom is here with you. (CEV)
N.T. Wright, in his commentary on Luke, translates the last part of verse 21 as . . . “The kingdom of God is within your grasp.”
In his translation, it doesn’t just tell you where the kingdom of God is, it tells you that you can be actively involved with it. You can decide if your life is going to reflect that you believe and follow Jesus. God’s kingdom – God’s love and guidance – isn’t just for us but is waiting for our help. Our help to live out the kingdom of God with others. For whenever and wherever we act in love, God’s kingdom is present.
When my cousin and I did walk back to my house that night, she suggested going out in the back yard and jumping up and down with the hope that God would take us up to heaven right then. While it may not have been a bad thought, I’m thankful for the years I’ve had to learn and grow and I hope, in some small way, to live out the kingdom of God.
Questions for Reflection:
- Read through the different translations listed above. How do you think each translation was portraying the kingdom of God?
- Who are the people you know who are part of the kingdom of God? What have they brought to your life?
- How do you bring God’s kingdom to others?
Prayer:
God of earth and heaven, during this Advent season I am thankful for your love for us. I am thankful that you sent your son to teach us and your Spirit to live in, around and through us. Help us to know you and to actively share your love; that others may know your kingdom here and be assured of your kingdom to come in heaven. Amen.
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