The statement “the kingdom of God is within you” or “in your midst” carries a deeper meaning than the commonly misunderstood interpretations. Contrary to popular belief, it does not refer to the kingdom residing solely in the hearts of individuals or Jesus physically present among the Pharisees.
To grasp the true meaning, we can refer to the quoted passages from Luke 17:20-21. When the Pharisees asked Jesus about the arrival of God’s kingdom, Jesus responded by explaining that the coming of the kingdom cannot be observed or pinpointed in a specific location. It is not a visible or tangible entity that can be identified by external signs.
Instead, Jesus emphasized that the kingdom of God is already among them. This means that the kingdom was already present and in existence at that time. However, Jesus clarifies that the kingdom of God does not manifest in the traditional manner that the Pharisees anticipated.
The Pharisees held the expectation that the kingdom would be established through a physical king seated on a literal throne, who would lead a military uprising against the Roman occupation and engage in open warfare with their enemies. However, this notion aligns more with the Old Testament understanding of God’s kingdom rather than the New Testament perspective.
Jesus was teaching that God’s kingdom operates differently. It is not confined to physical structures or visible displays of power. The kingdom of God, though not existing in the hearts and minds of people, exists in a spiritual and transformative sense, where God’s reign is established within the hearts and lives of people. It transcends physical boundaries and focuses on the inward transformation of individuals and communities.
The quoted verses from Matthew 11:12 and Luke 16:16 further support this understanding. The mention of the kingdom of heaven suffering violence and people forcing their way into it suggests that the kingdom already exists and is actively pursued by people. This implies that the kingdom of God was not a future event but a present reality during Jesus’ ministry.
In conclusion, the statement “the kingdom of God is within you” or “in your midst” denotes that the kingdom is already present and existing. However, it is not a physical, visible kingdom with a tangible ruler on a throne. Rather, it is a spiritual reality that transforms individuals and communities from within. It emphasizes the internal reign of God in people’s lives, surpassing the limited expectations of the Pharisees.