Behold the Kingdom of God is Within You - Part 654

The Pharisees are once again demanding answers from Jesus.  This time their questions focus on the kingdom of God. The Pharisees ask, "When will the kingdom of God come?"

It was one of those moments when the Pharisees -- who already considered themselves to be sufficient within society because of their birth and theocratic position -- thought the question appropriate. Who else,at least in the Pharisee's minds, could have enough spiritual understanding to ask this question? And to recognize the answer. As we read from Luke's account, the Pharisees fully expected an earthly Messianic kingdom and therefore, desired to know when this coming of the Son of man would occur.

But Jesus, already knowing the hearts and minds of the Pharisees told them that the kingdom of God does not come with observation. It is not something that one looks for over here or over there. (Luke 17:20-21) Rather, He said, "Behold the kingdom of God is within you."

You see Jesus already knew the ultimate objectives of the Pharisees. They wanted to know when Christ would be coming in His glory, as Jesus elaborates on in Matthew 24. They did not recognize that standing right there before them already was the King of kings -- the Lord of lords. The prophesied Christ. Almighty God in the flesh -- both human and divine. The same Creator who holds the universe in the palm of His hands and yet loved us enough to shed His precious blood on a cross for our sins.

In their human capacity, the Pharisees thought they had the kingdom of God figured out. However, even collectively, their finite human understanding was not enough. Therefore, Jesus told them the kingdom of God is within you. He wanted the Pharisees to know that the answer they should have been seeking is the one He had been preaching to the people continually.

That is, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Like David the psalmist  experienced, our Lord God and Saviour already has a better plan for those of us who believe in Him. Those of us who desire to willingly do His will. Who make a joyful noise unto our Lord God and Saviour. David wrote, "Sing forth the honour of His name. Make His praise glorious."

His name is Jesus. Praise Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.