And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Luke 17:20-21

At first glance, this demand from the Pharisees seems a bit out of place. However, they had just seen Jesus proving by another wondrous miracle that He was the Messiah, and they cannot let people think that! Therefore, they demand an answer to their question.

They challenge Jesus by saying, “So, if you are the Messiah, where is your army, your throne, and your kingdom?”

They could not refute the plain facts that Jesus had healed so many people and done many other wonderful things, but they wanted the Messiah to fit their definition. They wanted the Messiah to set-up a kingdom where they were in charge once again. They were tied of answering to the Romans.

The true kingdom was right there in front of them and they could not or would not see it. They could not see it because they were unregenerate (John 3). Or, they would not see it because of their blind arrogance and ambition to be in charge.

Jesus’ response is not telling these specific men that the true kingdom is inside them. He is teaching that the true kingdom of God is not a physical kingdom with castles and armies. The true kingdom is both “already here” and “not yet come.” 

When Jesus came the first time, He established His kingdom.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Zechariah 9:9

It is not yet a visible kingdom. It resides in the hearts of God’s people.

When Jesus comes the second time, He will fully display His kingdom, power, and authority.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Revelation 21:1-3

Until that glorious day, we are to be content to walk by faith and not sight. Yet always looking upward for our redemption draws nigh!

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Luke 21:28