Luke 17

“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 …” (v20).  The Pharisees knew the Old Testament prophesies about God’s Kingdom, yet they misunderstood its character. Jesus said it wasn’t going to be a visible political victory over their enemies, or something that vindicated “righteous” people; instead it was God-centered, spiritually powerful, “in the midst of you” (v21).  This Kingdom is for the humble (v11-19), not the self-righteous.

“Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (v13).  God’s true kingdom, embodied in Jesus, breaks through human pride and reveals our sin. We receive it by grace through faith.