They were always firing questions at Him, either to try and prove their superiority or to undermine His credibility. But one day the Pharisees asked a question which, for those with ears to hear, would be a game-changer, revealing a whole new spiritual dynamic.

When [Jesus] was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, ‘See here!’ or ‘There!’ For you see, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

(Luke 17:20-21 CSB)

Whether they sought to test Him as a competing rabbi or mock Him as a self-identified Messiah, I’m not sure. But the bottom line is there was a vast difference in understanding of how God was going to establish His kingdom on earth.

The Pharisees wanted to know when heaven’s reign would begin. Their expectation was a Theocracy, a throne-based rule with God’s Anointed on that throne. They wanted to know when there would be a heaven-sent set of governing rules. When there would be governmental powers in place. When there would be a King presiding over His subjects. And when the enemies of the kingdom — oh, those stinking, Roman enemies — would be put down once forever. “When’s it gonna come, Jesus?” they asked, or perhaps taunted. “Since You’re proclaiming the kingdom of God, give us some more details . . . when’s it coming?”

And then . . . BAM!!!! Jesus responds in a manner that changes the whole ballgame. It’s here! The kingdom of God is in your midst.

It doesn’t come with observation. You won’t see an inauguration ceremony — at least not yet. But behold, even now it’s here, it’s in your midst. Established in hearts. Fueled by faith. Empowered by the unseen workings of the Spirit.

Looking for rules? They’re etched into the hearts of believers through the word of God. Want governmental powers? Behold the governing power of resurrection — able to convict of sin, provide redemption through an atoning death, and raise those once dead in trespass to newness of life, even life abundantly.

Where are the subjects? They are found in those born again, old creations made new, sinners saved by grace. The kingdom is found in those who, having been delivered from bondage, willingly sell themselves back into slavery to the One who loved them unto death. In those who gladly relinquish personal agendas in order to serve their reigning Redeemer.

And the enemies? Where are the defeated enemies?

Where, death, is your victory?
Where, death, is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

(1Corinthians 15:55-57 CSB)

The penalty of sin? Paid in full. The power of sin? Broken completely as He has given us everything we need to participate in the divine nature (2Peter 1:3-4). The presence of sin? That too, will one day be crushed when the King who now patiently waits returns to put down the snake once and for all.

And yes, the kingdom in our midst has a King who is even now on the throne. Visible? Not at the moment. Reigning? Absolutely! Where? Within the hearts and lives of His people. It’s in your midst. It’s within. Defined and operating in those wooed by the meek and lowly Jesus. It’s power structure vibrantly alive in soul’s rescued from the pit. It’s force emanating from those who have decided to follow Jesus.

Will Jesus return one day as the visible Monarch over all? You can count on it!

For as the lightning flashes from horizon to horizon and lights up the sky, so the Son of Man will be in His day.

(Luke 17:24 CSB)

But until that time, let no one think that the throne is empty or that the Theocracy doesn’t exist. The kingdom of God is in our midst. The kingdom of God is within us.

As believers we are the structure, and we are the subjects. We are the definition and the demonstration. We are the building blocks, and we are the ambassadors. And we await that day when faith gives way to sight. When the kingdom embodied in us is the kingdom inhabited by us. When the King who lives in us is the King who stands face to face before us.

He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

(Revelation 22:20 CSB)

By His grace. For His glory.