Luke 17:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."

NIV: nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst."

NASB: nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.'

CSB: no one will say, ‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst."

NLT: You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you. '

KJV: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

NKJV: nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

The Pharisees have asked when the kingdom of God is coming (Luke 17:20). A major portion of Luke's record (Luke 9:51—19:27) is about God's kingdom, yet the Pharisees refuse to understand (John 5:39–40). They emphasize the glorious vision of the Son of Man who will be "given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed" (Daniel 7:14). They're primarily looking for a military leader who will drive the Romans out and return independence to the Jews.

That will certainly happen at Jesus' second coming, but the Pharisees are part of His first arrival on earth. At the time depicted here, the kingdom of God is all around them. It's in the healings Jesus performs (Luke 4:40), the way His disciples are empowered to cast out demons (Luke 10:17), in the way a person gives a drink of water to someone who is thirsty (Mark 9:41), and in Jesus' example of humble service (John 13:1–5).

The Samaritan leper understood this. When he realized he was cleansed, he returned to Jesus and declared that Jesus healed him to the glory of God. In response, it appears this otherwise-rejected man (John 4:7–9) became a permanent citizen of God's kingdom (Luke 17:11–19).

Jesus goes on to teach His disciples how they can recognize the fulfillment of God's kingdom at Jesus' second coming. There won't be any doubt; it will be as obvious as flashing lightning across the sky that all can see and hear. First, however, He must be betrayed and sent to the cross (Luke 17:22–25).

Luke 17:20–21 is an introduction to Jesus' end times discourse as given to His disciples. The Pharisees ask about the kingdom of God. They want independence from Rome, but they don't think a carpenter from Nazareth can make it happen. Jesus tries to make them see—once again—that God's kingdom has arrived. It is present in His teaching and miracles. Following, Jesus explains to His disciples how to recognize the coming "days of the Son of Man" (Luke 17:22–37; Daniel 7:13–14).

In his gospel, Luke has often arranged events by theme rather than by strict time order. That seems likely here with a series of teachings about living as Christ followers and ambassadors of God. Christians ought to be careful not to poison the faith of others. Faith is powerful. God's servants should not demand extravagant treatment in return. After healing ten lepers—only one of whom offers thanks—Jesus discusses the state of the world at His future second coming.

Luke 17 continues Jesus' teaching about how to live as citizens and ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Luke 15 describes God's love for the lost. Chapter 16 teaches earthly blessings are far inferior to heavenly rewards. Here, He exhorts His followers to lead well, serve humbly, give thanks, and watch for His second coming. In Luke 18, Jesus gives a series of comparisons to show how we are to approach God—as He approaches Jerusalem and the cross.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.