The Kingdom of God is Not a Sign to Be Seen

Luke 17:20 gives us a thought-provoking statement from Jesus that challenges much of our human instinct: "Now He was questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, and He answered them and said, 'The kingdom of God is not coming with signs that can be observed.'"

It’s easy to understand why the Pharisees (and we today) might expect visible signs of God’s kingdom. After all, many of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah spoke of a future king who would establish an earthly reign. People longed for the day when God’s power would be visibly displayed, freeing them from oppression and setting up His rule.
But Jesus told them—the kingdom of God does not come with observable signs. He wasn't rejecting the idea of the kingdom entirely, but He was reshaping how they understood it.

Our natural tendency as humans is to seek signs—proof that God is at work. John 4:48 records Jesus telling the people, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe." In the same way, many people today seek signs as evidence of God's coming, whether in dramatic events or world-changing moments. We often look for something obvious to assure us that God is in control.

But Paul points to something deeper, urging us to look beyond what is visible. 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us, "for we walk by faith, not by sight." This requires us to trust in God’s kingdom even when we can’t physically see it at work in our world.

Jesus also emphasizes that the kingdom is not just a distant future event but a present spiritual reality. Luke 17:21 continues, "Nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." God’s kingdom is already among us—manifested in the lives of believers and the working of the Holy Spirit.

The truth of the matter is, God's kingdom doesn't depend on our ability to see it in dramatic signs. Jesus Himself, in Luke 17:21, points to the fact that the kingdom is already within the hearts of His followers.

In Romans 14:17, Paul writes, "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." These are the signs of the kingdom—things that can't be observed in the way we typically look for signs. They are seen in how we live, in our attitudes, and in the work of God within us.

Jesus also teaches in Matthew 12:28, "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." The kingdom is evidenced by the power of God at work in the lives of His people, often in ways we don’t expect or see on the surface.

This idea challenges us to live by faith in God’s promises rather than constantly seeking visible signs. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." We are called to trust that God's kingdom is at work, even when it’s not visibly obvious.

Jesus' words in Luke 17:20 push us to let go of our desire for physical signs and instead focus on the spiritual reality of God's kingdom breaking into our lives right now.

The question for us, then, is not whether we see signs but whether we live in the reality of God's kingdom today, trusting in His rule over our hearts and lives. Are we living out the righteousness, peace, and joy that reflect God's kingdom? It’s in these invisible qualities that we see the true signs of His reign.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

I’d love to hear how this post spoke to you. Have you experienced anything similar in your walk with God? Feel free to share. Let’s encourage one another in faith! Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)