“Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, “See here!” or “See there!” For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you’” (Luke 17:20-21).

The prevailing Jewish view of the kingdom of God during the life of Jesus Christ was of a nationalistic king who would purge their land of enemies and establish a realm like Solomon’s. The prevailing notion of many today is of a future kingdom with Jesus reigning in Jerusalem and purging the globe of evil. Both are mistaken. The kingdom of God is “not of this world,” yet it came during the lifetime of those to whom Jesus spoke (John 18:36; Mark 9:1). The rule and reign of God “comes” as “the word of the kingdom” (the gospel) is planted into good and honest hearts and it bears fruit (Matt. 13:19, 23). Saved people compose the kingdom of God, Christ’s church (Acts 2:47; Col. 1:13-14). The kingdom has come, just as Jesus said it would. Now the question now is, will the kingdom of God be with you by seeking “first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33)?