What Jesus Did! 'The Kingdom in Your Hearts' — Luke 17:20-21

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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

— Luke 17:20-21 NLT

Key Thought

What in the world did Jesus mean? In light of his comments in the following verses, [1] Jesus was distinguishing between his return in glory and the Kingdom of God. When he said, "the Kingdom of God is already among you," he was most likely referring to the reign of God over the hearts of men and women who long to do his will and pin their hopes on his deliverance. Already that Kingdom had begun to make its entry on the scene with the coming of Jesus and the call of his disciples. It is not a visible territory with borders. It is not a capitol building with beautiful architecture. Instead, his Kingdom, God's Kingdom, had already begun to make its appearance as people bowed their hearts to the King and offered themselves in service to his rule. The question then is not "Where is the Kingdom?" but "Is my heart yielded to the King?" Has the Kingdom come to you? Have you truly yielded your heart, soul, mind, and strength to do the Lord's will? Can the influence and power of God's Kingdom be seen in your life?

[1] Luke 17:22-25.

Today's Prayer

O Lord God Almighty, King of the ages, I praise you. I praise you for your power and glory. I praise you for your work of deliverance and salvation in the lives of men and women. I praise you for your promise of a home and a great future with you. Now I ask that your will be done in my life as I offer myself to serve and honor you as the only true and living God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Revelation 11:15
  • Daniel 7:14
  • Luke 7:28

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 17:20-21 NLT — "When will the Kingdom of God come?" —— "The Kingdom of God can't be detected by visible signs. You won't be able to say, 'Here it is!' or 'It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is already among you."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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