Sermons on Luke 17:20-37

Luke 17:20-37 Interpretation:

Living with Urgency: Commitment to God's Kingdom (Colton Community Church) interprets Luke 17:20-37 as a call to reject spiritual indifference and to live with a sense of urgency and accountability before God. The sermon uniquely frames the passage through the lens of “indifference” versus “urgency,” using the stories of Noah and Lot as paradigms for how people can ignore God’s warnings and live as if they are unaccountable. The preacher draws a sharp analogy between the visible, ongoing work of Noah (the ark as a “living sermon illustration”) and the world’s apathy, emphasizing that the return of Christ will be unmistakable—like lightning—and that spiritual complacency is as dangerous now as it was then. The sermon also uses the metaphor of “the farm” (our lives) being left in the care of workers until the owner (Christ) returns, asking whether our “farm” will be found in order. The preacher highlights the phrase “the kingdom of God is among you” as a present reality, not just a future hope, and stresses that Jesus’ presence inaugurates the kingdom now, with a “now and not yet” tension. The sermon does not delve into Greek or Hebrew, but it does offer a fresh, practical analogy of spiritual indifference as “spiritual bulimia”—feeding only sporadically on God’s word and expecting it to last.

Embracing the Present Kingdom of God (Colton Community Church) interprets Luke 17:20-37 with a focus on the present reality of the kingdom of God, using the analogy of walking a familiar path lined with gold that is overlooked due to distractions. The sermon emphasizes that the kingdom is not a future political event but a present spiritual reality that begins with repentance and submission to Jesus. The preacher uses the metaphor of “dirty dishes and laundry” to illustrate spiritual complacency and the need for daily readiness for Christ’s return. The passage is unpacked as a call to live with “kingdom priorities,” to be constantly prepared, and to avoid being distracted by worldly pursuits. The sermon also uses the image of a surprise visit from a friend to illustrate the need for ongoing spiritual readiness, and the suitcase metaphor to challenge listeners about what they would cling to if Christ returned suddenly. The preacher stresses that the evidence of the kingdom is seen in transformed lives, peace, and joy, and that readiness is not about physical preparation but spiritual alignment.

Understanding the Kingdom of God and Christ's Return (Lars Larson) offers a distinctive interpretation by situating Luke 17:20-37 within the broader theological debate about the nature and timing of the kingdom of God, especially in relation to millennial views (premillennialism, postmillennialism, amillennialism). The sermon does not focus on the narrative or practical application of the passage but instead uses it as a springboard for an in-depth discussion of eschatological frameworks. The preacher highlights the Greek text, noting that certain words (e.g., “the one will be taken, the other left”) are implied rather than explicit, and uses this as a basis for careful exegesis. The sermon’s unique contribution is its detailed analysis of how different Christian traditions interpret the “kingdom of God” in Luke 17, arguing for an amillennial perspective that sees the kingdom as inaugurated in Christ’s resurrection and present now, though not yet fully manifested. The preacher critiques dispensational and postmillennial readings, emphasizing that the kingdom is not a future political reality but a present spiritual reign of Christ.

Living in Anticipation: Embracing God's Purpose and Kingdom (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) interprets Luke 17:20-37 as a call to faithful readiness in light of the sudden, unmistakable, and worldwide return of Christ. Begg uniquely emphasizes the futility of trying to chart or predict the coming of the kingdom through "careful observation," critiquing the obsession with eschatological timetables and diagrams. He draws a sharp distinction between the visible, external expectations of the Pharisees and the present, hidden reality of the kingdom "among you" (interpreting the Greek as "among" rather than "within"). Begg uses the analogy of airline safety instructions—leaving all possessions behind in an emergency—to illustrate Jesus' warning not to be preoccupied with earthly things when the Son of Man is revealed. He also highlights the metaphor of lightning as a global, unmistakable event, and the story of Lot’s wife as a warning against divided loyalties, using the image of someone running in one direction outwardly but inwardly longing for what is left behind.

Living Prepared for the Kingdom's Sudden Arrival (Ligonier Ministries, R.C. Sproul) offers a detailed linguistic analysis of the Greek word "hym?n," debating whether Jesus meant "the kingdom of God is within you" or "among you." Sproul leans toward "among you," arguing that the kingdom is present wherever the King (Jesus) is, rather than being a purely internal, subjective reality. He also explores the ambiguity of whether Jesus is referring to the final return or the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., providing a nuanced, historically grounded reading. Sproul uses the metaphor of lightning in Central Florida to make the suddenness and universality of Christ’s coming vivid for his audience. He also employs a personal story about escaping a train wreck to illustrate the urgency of leaving everything behind when judgment comes, paralleling Jesus’ warning not to return for possessions.

Embracing Forgiveness, Humility, and the Kingdom of God (Pastor Chuck Smith) interprets Luke 17:20-37 by focusing on the present and future aspects of the kingdom. Smith asserts that the kingdom of God is "wherever God rules," and thus is "among you" when Jesus is present. He emphasizes that the coming of the Son of Man will be as visible and sudden as lightning, not a secret event. Smith draws a parallel between the days of Noah and Lot and the present age, highlighting the obliviousness of the world to impending judgment. He also interprets the separation of people (one taken, one left) as a reference to the rapture, where the righteous are delivered before judgment, and those left behind face tribulation. Smith uses the analogy of modern technology (thumbprint identification) as a precursor to the "mark of the beast," connecting current events to biblical prophecy.

Luke 17:20-37 Theological Themes:

Living with Urgency: Commitment to God's Kingdom (Colton Community Church) introduces the theme of “spiritual indifference” as a subtle but deadly danger, drawing a parallel between the apathy of Noah’s and Lot’s contemporaries and modern Christians who neglect spiritual growth, community, service, and holiness. The sermon’s nuanced angle is its focus on the “signs of indifference” (lack of spiritual growth, neglect of community, absence of spiritual fruit, indifference to evangelism/service, and compromise with sin) as diagnostic tools for self-examination. The preacher also explores the “now and not yet” nature of the kingdom, urging believers to live as “king’s kids” who represent the kingdom in the present, not just await its future arrival. The sermon’s call to “remember Lot’s wife” is used as a warning against being enamored with the world, and the image of vultures circling the spiritually dead is a vivid metaphor for the consequences of spiritual apathy.

Embracing the Present Kingdom of God (Colton Community Church) presents the theme of the kingdom as a present, internal reality that is accessed through repentance, submission, and transformation by the Holy Spirit. The sermon’s fresh angle is its insistence that the kingdom is not about external signs or future events but about the evidence of God’s reign in the believer’s life—peace, joy, and righteousness. The preacher challenges the congregation to examine whether their lives display the fruit of the kingdom and to live with “kingdom priorities” that transcend worldly distractions. The sermon also highlights the theme of readiness, not as a one-time event but as a daily posture, and warns against the danger of spiritual procrastination (“after never comes”).

Understanding the Kingdom of God and Christ's Return (Lars Larson) develops the theological theme of the kingdom as a present, spiritual reality inaugurated by Christ and critiques theologies that postpone the kingdom to a future millennium. The sermon’s unique contribution is its detailed exposition of the implications of different millennial views for Christian hope, assurance, and the nature of discipleship. The preacher argues that amillennialism best accounts for the biblical data, emphasizing that suffering, cross-bearing, and spiritual struggle are normative for the present age, contrary to postmillennial “triumphalism.” The sermon also explores the unity of God’s people (Jew and Gentile) and the continuity of Old and New Testament promises, insisting that the kingdom is not a future Jewish political entity but a present, global, spiritual reality.

Living in Anticipation: Embracing God's Purpose and Kingdom (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) introduces the theme that the kingdom of God is both present and future, but its present reality is often missed due to preconceived expectations and a focus on external signs. Begg adds a unique facet by warning against the intellectual and spiritual dangers of making peripheral eschatological details central, urging believers to focus on the "main things"—the certainty of Christ’s return and the necessity of readiness—rather than speculative details. He also stresses the exclusivity of Christ and the finality of judgment, challenging contemporary religious pluralism.

Living Prepared for the Kingdom's Sudden Arrival (Ligonier Ministries, R.C. Sproul) presents the theme of ambiguity and humility in eschatological interpretation, openly admitting uncertainty about the precise referent of Jesus’ words (final return vs. 70 A.D.). Sproul’s theological emphasis is on the objective reality of Christ’s kingship and the kingdom’s presence wherever Christ is, rather than a purely internal, mystical experience. He also highlights the theme of sudden, inescapable judgment, and the necessity of immediate, decisive response—drawing a parallel to the historical destruction of Jerusalem as a type of final judgment.

Embracing Forgiveness, Humility, and the Kingdom of God (Pastor Chuck Smith) brings a distinct application by connecting the passage to the doctrine of the rapture, teaching that the righteous will be delivered before the onset of God’s judgment, while the ungodly will be left to face tribulation. Smith also uniquely applies the passage to contemporary technological developments, interpreting them as signs of the approaching fulfillment of prophecy, and warns against the church’s drift from fundamental doctrines and eschatological hope.

Luke 17:20-37 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Living with Urgency: Commitment to God's Kingdom (Colton Community Church) provides historical background on the stories of Noah and Lot, explaining the cultural and moral context of their times—Noah as a righteous man in a corrupt world, Lot as someone who gradually assimilated into the sinful culture of Sodom. The preacher details how Lot’s progression from living near Sodom to becoming a leader at its gate illustrates the danger of becoming comfortable with sin. The sermon also explains the Pharisees’ expectation of a political Messiah who would deliver Israel from Roman oppression, highlighting the disconnect between their hopes and Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom’s true nature.

Embracing the Present Kingdom of God (Colton Community Church) offers contextual insight into the Pharisees’ worldview, describing their expectation of a visible, political kingdom that would liberate them from Roman rule. The preacher explains that Jesus’ announcement of the kingdom as a present, spiritual reality was radically countercultural and challenged the prevailing religious and political assumptions of his day. The sermon also references the daily life and business-as-usual attitude of people in Noah’s and Lot’s times as a historical parallel to contemporary spiritual complacency.

Understanding the Kingdom of God and Christ's Return (Lars Larson) provides extensive historical context for the development of millennial views within Christian theology, tracing the origins of dispensationalism to J.N. Darby and the Plymouth Brethren in 19th-century England, its popularization by C.I. Scofield, and its spread through American evangelicalism. The sermon also discusses the historical dominance of postmillennialism among Puritans and Baptists in the 17th-19th centuries, and the rise of amillennialism as the predominant view among Reformers like Augustine, Luther, and Calvin. The preacher situates the debate within the broader history of Christian interpretation and church division, noting the impact of eschatological views on Christian unity and practice.

Living Prepared for the Kingdom's Sudden Arrival (Ligonier Ministries, R.C. Sproul) provides extensive historical context regarding first-century Jewish expectations of a political, military Messiah and the catastrophic events of 70 A.D. Sproul details the Roman destruction of Jerusalem, referencing the campaigns of Vespasian and Titus, the denuding of the Mount of Olives for firewood, and the mass slaughter of Jews as recorded by Josephus. He explains how these events marked a permanent distinction between Jews and Christians and interprets Jesus’ warnings as possibly referring to this historical judgment, not just the end of the world.

Embracing Forgiveness, Humility, and the Kingdom of God (Pastor Chuck Smith) offers cultural background on leprosy in biblical times, explaining the social and ritual isolation of lepers and the process of their reintegration into society as prescribed in Leviticus 14. Smith also discusses the animosity between Jews and Samaritans, providing context for Jesus’ interactions with Samaritans and the significance of the "stranger" returning to give thanks. Additionally, he references the ancient and new cities of Jericho to resolve an apparent Gospel discrepancy, giving archaeological and geographical context.

Luke 17:20-37 Cross-References in the Bible:

Living with Urgency: Commitment to God's Kingdom (Colton Community Church) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Luke 17:20-37. Genesis 6-7 is cited for the story of Noah, emphasizing Noah’s righteousness and obedience in a corrupt world. Genesis 13 and 19 are referenced for the story of Lot, highlighting Lot’s gradual assimilation into Sodom and the city’s destruction due to sexual sin, pride, and neglect of the poor. Matthew 12 and Mark 1 are mentioned to show Jesus’ consistent message that the kingdom of God is present. Hebrews 4 and 10 are used to stress the importance of spiritual growth and community. Matthew 7:16 is cited to underscore the necessity of spiritual fruit. 1 John is referenced regarding the incompatibility of ongoing sin with abiding in Christ. The sermon also alludes to the parable of the owner and the farm (Matthew 24-25) to illustrate accountability at Christ’s return.

Embracing the Present Kingdom of God (Colton Community Church) draws on Romans 14:17 to define the kingdom as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, and 1 Corinthians 6 to discuss the kinds of people who will not inherit the kingdom of God, emphasizing the need for repentance and transformation. Matthew 3:2 and 4:17 are cited to highlight Jesus’ call to repentance as the entry point to the kingdom. The sermon also references 2 Timothy 3 as a description of the signs of the end times and the moral climate preceding Christ’s return.

Understanding the Kingdom of God and Christ's Return (Lars Larson) references a wide array of biblical passages to frame the discussion of the kingdom and millennial views. Revelation 5 and 20 are cited to describe the inauguration and nature of Christ’s reign. Genesis 22, Isaiah 2 and 11, Habakkuk 2:14, and 1 Corinthians 15:25 are used to discuss the scope and fulfillment of the kingdom. Matthew 11:28 is referenced in relation to dispensational teaching. Acts 2 and 3 are cited to argue for the present fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the church age. 2 Timothy 3:16 is used to affirm the relevance of the entire Bible for Christian instruction. The preacher also references Jesus’ words in the Gospels about suffering and tribulation as normative for discipleship.

Living in Anticipation: Embracing God's Purpose and Kingdom (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) references Luke 4 (Jesus reading Isaiah in the synagogue and declaring the fulfillment of prophecy), Genesis 1:26 (creation in the image of God), and Luke 11 (casting out demons by the "finger of God" as evidence of the kingdom’s presence). He also alludes to Matthew 6:33 ("seek first the kingdom of God"), and the story of Lot’s wife from Genesis, using these passages to reinforce the themes of readiness, the present reality of the kingdom, and the dangers of divided loyalty.

Living Prepared for the Kingdom's Sudden Arrival (Ligonier Ministries, R.C. Sproul) cross-references the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), where Jesus warns of false messiahs and coming judgment, and the story of Noah and Lot from Genesis as typological warnings of sudden judgment. Sproul also references the destruction of Jerusalem as prophesied by Jesus and recorded by Josephus, and alludes to the "rapture" passages (though he critiques popular interpretations).

Embracing Forgiveness, Humility, and the Kingdom of God (Pastor Chuck Smith) references Leviticus 14 (laws for the cleansing of lepers), Genesis (the stories of Noah and Lot), Isaiah 35 (prophecies of the kingdom), Matthew 16 (deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me), and the book of Revelation (the mark of the beast and the invitation to vultures at Armageddon). Smith uses these cross-references to connect Jesus’ teaching to Old Testament prophecy, the process of judgment and deliverance, and eschatological events.

Luke 17:20-37 Christian References outside the Bible:

Understanding the Kingdom of God and Christ's Return (Lars Larson) explicitly references several Christian scholars and theologians in the discussion of Luke 17:20-37. J.N. Darby is identified as the originator of dispensationalism, and C.I. Scofield as its popularizer through the Scofield Reference Bible. John MacArthur is mentioned as a prominent proponent of progressive dispensationalism and as a critic of amillennialism, with specific reference to his controversial statement, “Why Every Self-Respecting Calvinist is a Premillennialist.” R.C. Sproul is cited as a postmillennialist, and Lorraine Bettner is quoted for his definition of postmillennialism. Cornelius Venema is referenced as an amillennialist scholar, with his book “The Promise of the Future” providing key critiques of postmillennialism, particularly regarding the timing of Christ’s kingship and the role of suffering in the Christian life. The preacher also mentions the influence of the Puritans, Calvin, and Luther on the theology of suffering and the cross.

Living in Anticipation: Embracing God's Purpose and Kingdom (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) explicitly references the tragic end of Ernest Hemingway as an illustration of existential despair in a worldview without hope, contrasting it with the Christian hope of history’s purposeful climax. He also mentions contemporary religious pluralism, referencing a statement by an Afghani Taliban leader about Jesus, and critiques the modern tendency toward intellectual tolerance that undermines the exclusivity of Christ.

Living Prepared for the Kingdom's Sudden Arrival (Ligonier Ministries, R.C. Sproul) references the historian Josephus as a primary source for the events of the Jewish War and the destruction of Jerusalem, using his account to provide historical detail and support for interpreting Jesus’ warnings as referring to 70 A.D.

Luke 17:20-37 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Living with Urgency: Commitment to God's Kingdom (Colton Community Church) uses the analogy of a farm left in the care of workers to illustrate spiritual accountability, likening the return of Christ to the owner returning to inspect the farm’s condition. The preacher also shares a personal anecdote about a mentor who did not want Christ to return until he had experienced marriage and sex, using this as a candid example of misplaced priorities and the danger of clinging to worldly desires.

Embracing the Present Kingdom of God (Colton Community Church) employs several vivid secular analogies to illustrate spiritual truths. The preacher describes walking a familiar path lined with gold but being distracted by trees, houses, and other sights, missing the true value beneath one’s feet—an analogy for overlooking the present reality of the kingdom. Another illustration involves the surprise visit of a friend, with the frantic cleaning of the house serving as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and the danger of letting spiritual “dirty dishes and laundry” accumulate. The suitcase metaphor is used to challenge listeners about what they would try to take with them if Christ returned suddenly, highlighting the futility of clinging to material possessions. The preacher also references a conversation with a non-Christian friend about the sermon topic, using it as an example of sharing the kingdom message in everyday life.

Living in Anticipation: Embracing God's Purpose and Kingdom (Alistair Begg, Truth for Life) uses the story of Ernest Hemingway’s suicide to illustrate the logical outcome of a worldview that sees life as meaningless, contrasting it with the Christian hope of purposeful history. He also references a Janet Jackson eulogy for Aaliyah, critiquing the popular notion of becoming an angel after death as an example of cultural confusion about the afterlife. Begg further uses the analogy of airline safety instructions—leaving all possessions behind in an emergency landing—to illustrate Jesus’ warning about not returning for possessions when the Son of Man is revealed.

Living Prepared for the Kingdom's Sudden Arrival (Ligonier Ministries, R.C. Sproul) uses the phenomenon of lightning in Central Florida as a vivid, relatable metaphor for the suddenness and universality of Christ’s coming. He also tells a personal story about surviving the 1993 Amtrak "Sunset Limited" train wreck in Alabama, using his wife’s desire to retrieve her shoes and suitcase as a humorous but pointed illustration of the urgency of leaving everything behind in a crisis, paralleling Jesus’ warning not to return for possessions. Sproul also shares a hunting anecdote about tracking wounded deer by watching for circling vultures, connecting it to Jesus’ cryptic saying about vultures gathering where the body is.

Embracing Forgiveness, Humility, and the Kingdom of God (Pastor Chuck Smith) draws on contemporary technology, specifically thumbprint and iris scanners used for identification and security, as an analogy for the "mark of the beast" in Revelation. He discusses the prevalence of identity theft and the development of biometric security as signs of the times, suggesting these are precursors to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Smith also references a newspaper article about credit card fraud and the use of thumbprint identification, connecting current events to eschatological themes.