“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There!” for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.’ And he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. And they will say to you, “Look there!” or “Look here!” Do not go out or follow them. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it. I tell you that in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.’ And they said to him, ‘Where, Lord?’ He said to them, ‘Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.'”– Luke 17:20-37
Luke 17:20-37 Meaning
In this passage, Jesus is responding to questions and misconceptions about the coming of God’s kingdom. The Pharisees, who often challenged Jesus, were focused on signs and physical manifestations of the kingdom. Their expectations were tied to witnessing clear signs like those typical of earthly kingdoms.
However, Jesus explains the kingdom is not what they think, as it cannot be pinpointed or viewed externally; instead, it exists among them, reflecting a spiritual reality. The concept of the Kingdom of God being in one’s midst shows that it is present within the followers of Christ and deeply tied to their hearts and lives.
Luke 17:20-37 Commentary and Explanation
This passage reveals significant truths about the nature of Jesus’ kingdom. Many wait for visible signs of its arrival, yet Jesus emphasizes that it is not something to be observed with the physical eye. His statement about the kingdom being in their midst indicates that the transformation by God’s reign expresses itself through love, community, and grace. It is essential to live out the values of God’s kingdom, embodying faith and morality.
As we move forward in the narrative, Jesus transitions to talk about future days—the days we may long for while acknowledging that those who desire to see them might not witness them as they hope. He highlights an understanding of the days of Noah and Lot to illustrate how life will continue in a seemingly normal way until it isn’t. These references serve as warnings against complacency. Just as in the days of Noah, people were not prepared for the flood, and in Lot’s time, they faced destruction unknowingly, Jesus cautions us to be vigilant.
When he references “two in one bed” or “two women grinding together,” he’s emphasizing that the return of the Son of Man will affect everyone, regardless of daily activities. The choices one makes in their life are meaningful as they shape outcomes in eternal matters. Watching, being cautious, and being ready for unexpected events are critical aspects of living within this kingdom framework.
Jesus uses Lot’s wife as a reminder of the consequences of longing for the past. She looked back and suffered loss, highlighting the danger of not fully embracing the new life God offers us. Each of us is invited to let go of what binds us from following Him freely.
Historical and Literary Context of Luke 17:20-37
This passage was written in a time when the Jewish people were under Roman occupation, and their hope for the Messiah was fervent. Many expected a political savior who would liberate them from their oppressors. Jesus was countering those expectations by introducing a different understanding of what God’s kingdom looked like and how it operates.
Historically, the Jewish texts are permeated with the hope of a messianic age where righteousness prevails. Thus, a friend might think, “Why doesn’t Jesus provide clear signs?” Jesus shifts their understanding away from signs to a relationship with Him and how to prepare for the coming kingdom.
This passage is situated within the broader narrative of Luke, which frequently emphasizes God’s concern for the marginalized and the call for discipleship. Luke’s Gospel, known for its focus on social justice and God’s love, encourages readers to embody the principles of the kingdom in everyday interactions. The literary style employs parables and warnings to drive home the importance of being spiritually aware and living align with God’s will.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 17:20-37
1. The Inquiry of the Pharisees
Jesus is asked when the Kingdom of God would come. Their expectation is for a future event marked by visible signs, which contradicts Jesus’ teaching that the kingdom is already present through Him.
2. The Nature of the Kingdom
Jesus states that the Kingdom is among them, showing that it is not bound by physical territories. His presence indicates an already present spiritual reign.
3. The Return of the Son of Man
Jesus foretells a time of reckoning where people will be unprepared despite living ordinary lives. This serves as a prophecy of unexpected judgment.
4. Comparing Historical Events
Jesus uses the stories of Noah and Lot as parallels to signal the signs of the times. It reflects the urgency for us to live faithfully amidst distractions.
5. The Call to Awareness
Jesus emphasizes the need for vigilance. The unexpected nature of His return calls for continuous readiness rather than a passive wait.
6. The Warning of Lot’s Wife
By referencing Lot’s wife, Jesus cautions us against the lure of past comforts that prevent us from embracing the changes God calls us to.
Theological Significance of Luke 17:20-37
This passage carries profound theological implications. It speaks to the nature of God’s kingdom as a transformative presence in our lives that requires internal acknowledgment over external demonstrations. The invitation to follow Jesus means surrendering earthly attachments, as closely tying ourselves to material possessions often becomes a barrier to genuine faith.
When Jesus warns about the future, He highlights personal accountability. Our lives will reflect our choices, reminding us to seek holiness in everyday activities. The theology of faithful living is a core element as it encourages us to recognize that our actions align with God’s will.
Lot’s wife symbolizes the tendency to cling to familiar places, emotions, or desires. To follow Jesus fully, we must pursue a forward-looking faith, releasing what holds us back from fully living out our kingdom purpose. This theological stance of not being held back helps us prosper in faith and creatively participate in what God is doing around us.
Luke 17:20-37 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Luke 12:32-40
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” – Luke 12:32-34
This calls us to recognize that the treasures we invest in align with the eternal kingdom. Preparing for His return means we live generously, spreading His love where needed.
Matthew 24:37-39
“For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” – Matthew 24:37-39
Here, we see how the narratives weave together, emphasizing the importance of awareness in daily life. We are reminded not to become complacent while waiting for God’s timing.
Practical Application of Luke 17:20-37
1. Seek Spiritual Awareness
We are called to actively seek God’s kingdom daily. This could mean dedicating time to prayer, studying scripture, and serving others. Connecting with God daily helps us stay sensitive to His leading.
2. Cultivate a Generous Heart
Living out kingdom values invites us to share the resources we have. Whether time, talents, or treasure, equipping others reflects God’s love and reign through us.
3. Remain Vigilant
Setting goals and being alert spiritually helps prepare us for the unexpected. Engaging in worship and fellowship with believers provides strength and support as we wait quietly on God’s perfect timing.
4. Release Past Attachments
Letting go of what holds us back, like Lot’s wife, is crucial. We should assess our lives and seek God for healing over any relationships or burdens that hinder our progress.
5. Develop a Community of Faith
Being surrounded by supportive believers allows us to hold one another accountable, share in joy, and build our faith together. Influence each other positively so we can all grow toward Christ’s likeness.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Luke 17:20-37
As we read through Luke 17:20-37, we are invited to reflect on our own readiness and understanding of God’s kingdom. Are we looking for signs like the Pharisees or are we embracing the truth that the kingdom of God is present in our lives now? Let us be reminded how vital it is to engage actively with our faith, daily asking God how we can participate in what He is doing in the world around us.
We should contemplate what we might be clinging to that could distract us from God’s call. Like Lot’s wife, are we looking back with longing for what lies behind? May we find it in ourselves to lose our lives for Christ’s sake, trusting His promise to keep us forever in His love.
Ultimately, reflecting on ourselves in light of this text encourages us to prepare heart, mind, and spirit. Each moment is a chance to grow closer to God, waiting eagerly for His return while embodying the kingdom on earth.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Luke 17:20-37 is a powerful reminder that the Kingdom of God is indeed in our midst. While signs and wonders may be sought after, our heart posture, faithfulness, and readiness matter much more. We challenge ourselves to live as representatives of His kingdom, understanding that our actions here and now participate in the glorious reality God is calling us to. Let’s take the lessons from this passage to continue building His kingdom, knowing that the anticipation of His return brings us hope.
To deepen your understanding, consider exploring more about how Jesus changes our perspective in Luke 12:27 and the importance of living out His teachings in your life through Philippians 4:6-8. The journey of faith invites us to prioritize our relationship with God, always seeking His will and ready for what He has in store.