The Kingdom Is Coming: What Jesus Teaches About Being Ready (Luke 17:20-37)
Have you ever wondered when God’s Kingdom will come? That’s exactly what some religious leaders asked Jesus one day. But instead of giving them a date or pointing to signs in the sky, Jesus gave them a surprising answer—and a powerful lesson for all of us.
Let’s take a look at what Jesus said and what it means for us today.
God’s Kingdom Isn’t About Location—It’s About the Heart
When asked when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied that it’s not something you can see with your eyes or find on a map. He said, “The Kingdom of God is in your midst.”
In other words, God’s Kingdom isn’t just about future events or dramatic signs. It begins wherever people welcome God into their hearts and lives. It’s about letting God lead you, right here and now.
When Jesus Returns, Everyone Will Know
Later, Jesus spoke to His disciples about a future time—when He would return. He said it will happen suddenly and clearly, like a flash of lightning lighting up the sky.
This means we don’t need to chase after every news story or rumor that claims Jesus has returned. When He comes back, it will be unmistakable. Everyone will know.
Don’t Get Distracted by Signs
Jesus also warned His followers not to get caught up in chasing signs or listening to people who say, “He’s over here!” or “He’s over there!” Instead of focusing on outside noise, Jesus wants us to stay faithful, focused, and grounded in Him.
It’s easy to get distracted in a noisy world. But Jesus calls us to keep our eyes on Him and live in a way that’s always ready—no matter what.
What We Can Learn from the Past
Jesus reminded His disciples about two stories from the Old Testament: Noah and Lot.
In Noah’s day, people were living their normal lives—eating, drinking, getting married—when the flood suddenly came. In Lot’s day, people were working and building, when fire suddenly destroyed the city.
Jesus’ point is this: life will seem normal right up until the moment He returns. That’s why we need to be ready every day—not just when we think something big is coming.
Let Go of What Holds You Back
Jesus also gave a strong warning: don’t turn back. He said to remember Lot’s wife, who looked back and was lost.
That’s a reminder for us not to get too attached to the things of this world—our stuff, our status, or even our routines. If we’re holding on too tightly to things that don’t last, we might miss what truly matters.
Each Person Must Choose
Jesus explained that when He returns, there will be a clear difference—even between people who seem close. Two people could be doing the same thing, and one will be taken while the other is left.
This shows that faith is personal. Each of us has to choose for ourselves whether or not to follow Jesus. No one else can make that decision for us.
What It All Means for Us Today
So what can we take away from this teaching? Here are a few key reminders:
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God’s Kingdom starts now. It begins in the heart when we choose to follow Jesus.
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Jesus will return. We don’t know when, but we do know it will be sudden and obvious.
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Live ready. Stay close to Jesus and don’t get distracted by things that won’t last.
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Let go of the past. Don’t turn back to things that pull you away from God.
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Make it personal. Following Jesus is a choice we each must make.
Final Thought
Jesus didn’t tell us all this to scare us—He told us so we’d be ready. He wants us to live with purpose, hope, and a heart that’s prepared.
If Jesus came back today, would you be ready? The good news is, you can be. All it takes is a heart that’s open and a life that’s willing to follow Him.
Luke 17:20-37 (WEB)
17:20 Being asked by the Pharisees when God’s Kingdom would come, he answered them, “God’s Kingdom doesn’t come with observation; 21 neither will they say, ‘Look, here!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ for behold, God’s Kingdom is within you.”22 He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 They will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’ Don’t go away or follow after them, 24 for as the lightning, when it flashes out of one part under the sky, shines to another part under the sky, 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 As it was in the days of Noah, even so it will also be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They ate, they drank, they married, and they were given in marriage until the day that Noah entered into the ship, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise, even as it was in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky and destroyed them all. 30 It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 31 In that day, he who will be on the housetop and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away. Let him who is in the field likewise not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife! 33 Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it. 34 I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. One will be taken and the other will be left. 35 There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken and the other will be left.” 3637 They, answering, asked him, “Where, Lord?”He said to them, “Where the body is, there the vultures will also be gathered together.”