Luke 17: 20-21; Matthew 12: 38-42
Jesus from the outset of his ministry proclaimed that the kingdom of God was at hand. That was and is the good news. But what is this kingdom? How is one to recognize it? We, the realist, the rational skeptic, don’t want to be taken in by some charlatan. We must protect ourselves and those we love from fraudulent predators. No one can take care of us except ourselves, right? So what is the sign of this kingdom? Peace, prosperity, power, stars in the sky, national greatness, individual glory, what? Is it not reasonable that the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was coming, how will they know he's for real?
Do you too wonder about when the kingdom of God is coming? What is a sign of its presence? How will you know you are a part of it?
Jesus answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” How can the skeptic in us deal with such an answer? The Kingdom, not visible by any image we can see, but here now.
When the Pharisees and scribes asked for a sign Jesus berated them. Only “an evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign”, he said. And in addition none will be given except the sign of Jonah. Those enemies of Israel heard and repented and now will judge those now who now can’t see. Not a pleasant response from the teacher, but why? Why will he not clearly indicate who he is and when and where the kingdom of God is? We want to be a part! But we don’t want to be taken for a fool.
Why Jesus will you not reveal yourself and God's kingdom clearly? We want to see!
Lord Jesus, give us wisdom. Forgive our skepticism. Amen
Blessings, Caroline
Jesus from the outset of his ministry proclaimed that the kingdom of God was at hand. That was and is the good news. But what is this kingdom? How is one to recognize it? We, the realist, the rational skeptic, don’t want to be taken in by some charlatan. We must protect ourselves and those we love from fraudulent predators. No one can take care of us except ourselves, right? So what is the sign of this kingdom? Peace, prosperity, power, stars in the sky, national greatness, individual glory, what? Is it not reasonable that the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God was coming, how will they know he's for real?
Do you too wonder about when the kingdom of God is coming? What is a sign of its presence? How will you know you are a part of it?
Jesus answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” How can the skeptic in us deal with such an answer? The Kingdom, not visible by any image we can see, but here now.
When the Pharisees and scribes asked for a sign Jesus berated them. Only “an evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign”, he said. And in addition none will be given except the sign of Jonah. Those enemies of Israel heard and repented and now will judge those now who now can’t see. Not a pleasant response from the teacher, but why? Why will he not clearly indicate who he is and when and where the kingdom of God is? We want to be a part! But we don’t want to be taken for a fool.
Why Jesus will you not reveal yourself and God's kingdom clearly? We want to see!
Lord Jesus, give us wisdom. Forgive our skepticism. Amen
Blessings, Caroline
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