Today’s reading is Luke chapters 17–19, and these chapters continue to show Jesus reestablishing the norm of life with God.
In Luke 17, the people ask Jesus: “Where does the Kingdom of God come from?”
Jesus gives a clear and precise answer: “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation. People will not say, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you.”
This statement reveals something profound.
God’s way of doing things—His nature and His presence—is already embedded inside of us. It’s not out there somewhere. It’s not external.
It’s within.
The only thing left is for us to do two things: Realize and release.
Realize the Kingdom within. And release it into your life and the world around you.
In chapter 18, we see the encounter with the rich young ruler. When the man calls Jesus “Good Master,” Jesus responds:
“Why do you call Me good? There is none good but One, and that is God.”
Here again, Jesus points away from human-made definitions of goodness and toward God as the only true source of it.
Then, He challenges the young man to let go of his possessions and the false identities they’ve created for him. Only by laying those down can he truly follow Jesus and discover who he really is—one with God.
In chapter 19, we see Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus. Interestingly, Scripture doesn’t record what Jesus actually said to him. But the encounter itself brings a profound shift.
Zacchaeus responds by striving to make things right—giving to the poor and restoring fourfold to those he’s wronged.
This wasn’t Jesus issuing a command or laying out rules. It was the natural outflow of Zacchaeus experiencing the presence of Jesus—the presence of normalcy returning to his life.
Even to those labeled as “sinners,” Jesus brings a restoration of balance and identity.
As you read Luke 17–19 today, remember that the Kingdom isn’t far away. It’s within you—waiting for you to realize it and release it.
This is the normal life Jesus is reestablishing in us all.
Enjoy today’s reading.
Let’s Read/Listen to Luke 17-19!
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