Luke 17:20-37 is about the coming of the kingdom of God being not only a future event but also a present reality, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually prepared and alert for the return of Christ.
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed,
21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
22 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.
23 And they will say to you, ‘Look, there!’ or ‘Look, here!’ Do not go out or follow them.
24 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.
25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
27 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.
28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building,
29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—
30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.
31 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.
32 Remember Lot’s wife.
33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.
34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left.
35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.”
36 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.”
37 And they said to him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”
Setting the Scene for Luke 17:20-37
In Luke chapter 17, Jesus is surrounded by a crowd of both Pharisees and his disciples as he travels towards Jerusalem. The scene is set in the midst of Jesus’ journey, with the dusty roads of ancient Israel stretching out before them. The sun beats down on the group, casting long shadows as they walk and talk.
The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to Jewish law, are questioning Jesus about the coming of the kingdom of God. They are skeptical and looking for signs to prove his authority. Meanwhile, Jesus is teaching his disciples about the nature of the kingdom, urging them to be prepared for its arrival at any moment. The disciples, a mix of fishermen, tax collectors, and other ordinary people, listen intently as Jesus speaks, eager to understand his teachings.
As they walk, the group passes through small villages and fields, with the sounds of daily life filling the air. Jesus uses the surrounding countryside as a backdrop for his parables, drawing on the familiar sights and sounds to convey his message about faith, repentance, and the coming judgment. The tension between Jesus and the Pharisees is palpable, adding a sense of urgency to the conversation as they continue on their journey.
What is Luke 17:20-37 about?
This verse underscores the importance of being prepared for the arrival of the kingdom of God. Jesus is urging his followers to always be vigilant and ready for the spiritual realm to manifest itself. The idea of readiness implies staying spiritually awake and alert, and being in a constant state of readiness for the divine presence to be revealed. This readiness involves living a life of faith, devotion, and righteousness, so that when the kingdom of God arrives, one is found worthy and prepared to receive it.
Reflecting on this teaching prompts us to consider our own spiritual preparedness. Are we actively engaging in our faith journey? Are we living in alignment with our values and beliefs? Are we cultivating a deep connection with the divine? Jesus’ message serves as a gentle reminder for us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and to constantly strive to be ready for the presence of God in our lives. It challenges us to stay awake and attentive to the signs of the kingdom of God unfolding around us, and to be proactive in our pursuit of spiritual growth and transformation.
Understanding what Luke 17:20-37 really means
In Luke 17:20-37, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and His disciples, shedding light on the nature of God’s Kingdom and the importance of readiness for the end times. He emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is not a physical realm with visible signs but a spiritual reality that is already among us. This notion challenges us to look beyond the tangible and recognize the presence of God’s Kingdom in our midst. Just as in the days of Noah and Lot, Jesus warns of the suddenness of His return, urging us to be spiritually prepared for the unexpected nature of God’s judgment.
Reflecting on key phrases like “The kingdom of God is in the midst of you” and “Remember Lot’s wife,” we are reminded to live in the present, embracing the values of God’s Kingdom and avoiding distractions that hinder our spiritual journey. The cautionary tale of Lot’s wife serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of looking back or clinging to the past when God calls us forward. Similarly, in Matthew 24:36-44 and 1 Thessalonians 5:2, we find further reinforcement of the need for readiness and vigilance in anticipation of Christ’s return, likened to a thief in the night.
Today, amidst the busyness of daily life, it is easy to become complacent and neglect our spiritual preparedness for the coming of the Lord. We are called to live with a sense of spiritual readiness, akin to a family eagerly preparing for a surprise visit, even though they do not know the exact time of arrival. This analogy underscores the importance of living each day in a manner that honors God, embodying the values of His Kingdom and staying alert to His imminent return.
As we navigate the challenges of the present age, let us heed the teachings of Jesus in Luke 17:20-37, striving to be spiritually vigilant and mindful of the Kingdom of God already at work in our lives. By avoiding distractions, embracing spiritual readiness, and living in accordance with God’s principles, we can be prepared for the return of Christ, whenever it may occur. May we embody the essence of God’s Kingdom in our daily lives, reflecting His love, grace, and righteousness to the world around us.
Are we prepared for the coming of Christ?
Jesus warns his disciples about false prophets and signs leading up to his second coming. He wants his followers to be aware, vigilant, and prepared for his return. The focus is on being spiritually ready and not being deceived by those who claim to know the precise time or place of his arrival. The emphasis is on internal readiness rather than external signs, encouraging believers to have faith and stay true to their beliefs. We can confidently anticipate Jesus’s return without fear by staying faithful and obedient to his teachings. This passage serves as a reminder for believers to continuously assess their spiritual state and take active steps to live in accordance with God’s will. The main message is about being spiritually prepared for the imminent coming of Christ and not being swayed by false teachings or predictions about the end times. Jesus wants his followers to be alert, faithful, and focused on their relationship with Him. The passage urges believers to be diligent in their faith, living each day with expectancy and readiness for the return of Christ. It serves as a call to action to prioritize spiritual preparedness over earthly concerns, ensuring that we are fully equipped and eagerly awaiting the glorious return of the savior.
Application
In the hustle of work and the demands of family, are you taking time to live out your faith? Just as we prepare for a big presentation or a child’s milestone, we should also be ready for Jesus’ return. Stay vigilant, keep praying, and live intentionally every day. When He shows up, will you be found faithful and prepared?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.