LUKE 17:20–25
THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Text – Luke 17:20–25
20 Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he said in reply, “The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed,
21 and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.”
22 Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.
23 There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit.
24 For just as 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 greatly and be rejected by this generation.”
Historical and Jewish Context
The Pharisees expected the Kingdom of God to arrive in a visible, dramatic, and political form—often associated with a victorious Messiah who would liberate Israel from foreign rule. Jesus corrects this expectation by teaching that God’s reign is already present in His person and ministry. The phrase “cannot be observed” challenges the belief that the Kingdom would arrive with outward signs or cosmic upheaval. Lightning imagery reflects apocalyptic language familiar in Jewish tradition, emphasizing both suddenness and universality. Before this glorious manifestation, however, Jesus reveals that the Son of Man must first suffer and be rejected, aligning with prophetic themes of the suffering servant.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is both already present and not yet fully revealed. Catholic theology describes this as the “already–not yet” tension: the Kingdom is present sacramentally in the Church, in grace, and in Christ’s presence, yet it awaits final fulfillment at His Second Coming. “Among you” also means “within your midst,” pointing to Christ Himself—the incarnate presence of God’s reign. The warning against false claims of Christ’s return emphasizes discernment and fidelity. The suffering of the Son of Man reveals that the path to glory passes through the Cross. Redeemed humanity participates in this mystery through faith, perseverance, and hope in Christ’s final manifestation.
Parallels in Scripture
Is 53:3–5 – The suffering servant rejected by His own people.
Dn 7:13–14 – The Son of Man given everlasting dominion.
Mt 24:23–27 – Warnings against false messiahs and suddenness of Christ’s return.
Mk 1:15 – The Kingdom of God is already at hand.
Col 1:13 – Believers transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son.
Key Terms
Kingdom of God – God’s reign present in Christ and unfolding in the Church.
Among you – The Kingdom present in Jesus Himself and in His disciples.
Son of Man – Jesus’ messianic title emphasizing His suffering and glory.
Lightning – Symbol of sudden, visible, and universal divine action.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage appears in weekday Masses and is central to Advent and eschatological catechesis. It teaches vigilance, discernment, and hope in Christ’s return. The text also highlights the Church’s mission to witness to the Kingdom already present while awaiting its fullness in the Parousia.
Conclusion
Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of God is not a political event but the presence of God’s reign in His person, His teachings, and His saving work. The final revelation of the Son of Man will be sudden and unmistakable, but first He must embrace the path of suffering. Disciples are called to live in hope, vigilance, and fidelity.
Reflection
Do I look for God’s Kingdom only in dramatic signs, or do I recognize it already present in Christ, the Church, and grace at work in daily life? Am I vigilant and faithful as I await Christ’s return?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to Your Kingdom already present among us. Strengthen my faith to remain steadfast, and deepen my hope as I await the fullness of Your glory. Help me embrace the Cross and follow You with trust. Amen.