| Series | Gospel of Luke (4) |
|---|---|
| Theme | 1. Our priorities - 1. O A TATOU FAAMUAMUA |
| Colour | Lanu Efuefu |
Scripture Focus: Luka 17:20-35,37
Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The Kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation; neither will they say, ‘Look, here!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.” 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. They will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’ Don’t go away, nor follow after them, for as the lightning, when it flashes out of the one part under the sky, shines to the other part under the sky; so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first, he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. As it was in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days of the Son of Man. They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise, even as it was in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky, and destroyed them all. It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 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. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it. I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. The one will be taken, and the other will be left. There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left.” They, answering, asked him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there will the vultures also be gathered together.”
- Luke 17:20-35,37 (WEB)
Study:
In this passage, Jesus addresses the Pharisees' question about the coming of God's Kingdom, emphasizing that it is not a physical reality that can be pointed out or observed externally but a spiritual reality that is present "within you." Jesus warns against being misled by rumors or signs that falsely claim to reveal the Kingdom's arrival. He highlights the suddenness and certainty of the coming of the Son of Man, likening it to lightning that quickly illuminates the entire sky. Before this revelation, Jesus foretells His suffering and rejection, linking His second coming to the days of Noah and Lot when people were unaware of impending judgment. The call is to live with readiness and detachment from worldly possessions and relationships, exemplified by the admonition not to turn back or protect one's belongings. The mention of Lot's wife serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of hesitation or longing for the past. Ultimately, Jesus teaches that true life is found in surrendering one’s life for God's Kingdom, with an emphasis on the sudden and selective nature of the final judgment where some will be taken and others left behind. The concluding verse reinforces the certainty of judgment and its unmistakable signs.
Application:
This passage challenges us to examine what we truly prioritize in life. The Kingdom of God is not about watching for spectacular signs or relying on outward appearances but about embracing the spiritual reality present in our hearts. We are called to live with alertness and readiness, focused on God's purposes rather than earthly security. The examples of Noah and Lot remind us that life can suddenly change, and attachment to worldly things can hinder our response to God's call. Jesus’ teaching encourages us to trust in Him, willingly surrendering control and possessions, and to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. By doing so, we preserve true life even in the midst of uncertainty. This message calls us to live faithfully in the present, being watchful for Christ’s return and aligning our daily decisions with the eternal Kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
- How do I understand the Kingdom of God, and am I looking for it in the right way?
- In what ways might I be clinging to worldly things that prevent me from fully following Christ?
- How can I cultivate readiness and alertness for the coming of the Son of Man in my daily life?
- What does it mean for me to "lose my life" in order to preserve it according to Jesus’ teaching?
- How does the example of Lot's wife challenge me in my faith commitment?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to understand that Your Kingdom is not coming in ways I can point to, but is present in my heart. Teach me to live with focus on You, surrendering my life and possessions willingly. Keep me alert and ready for Your return and help me to trust You fully, even when the way is difficult. May I prioritize Your Kingdom above all and find true life in Your presence. Amen.
Tags:(Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ, Luke 17, End Times, Spiritual Readiness, Christian Living, Biblical Study, Faith, Gospel of Luke, Christ’s Return, Noah and Lot, Christian Reflection)