The kingdom of God is among you. The coming of the kingdom was the central message of Jesus’ preaching and ministry (cf. Mark 1:15), and in several instances, he expressly made associations between his ministry and the coming of the kingdom (cf. Luke 10:9; 11:20). The coming of the kingdom of God was a phrase that was not alien to the majority of the people who often gathered to listen to Jesus. It was something that was awaited and longed for. Hearing Jesus speak about it must have naturally aroused some excitement among them. They could hardly wait for it to unfold. And when it appeared as if the much awaited coming was yet to be realized, they approached Jesus wanting to know why it was taking too long. ‘ Tell us,’ they said, ‘ when exactly is this kingdom coming?’ Jesus realized their misunderstanding and took the opportunity to enlighten them. ‘ The kingdom is already among you. He who is speaking to you has already inaugurated it. All you have to do is open your eyes and see for yourself. The hungry are being fed, the lame are walking, the despairing are given hope, and the sick are being healed. Isn’t this sign enough to tell you that the kingdom is already here?’
The community’s understanding of the kingdom differed from Jesus’. And even as they remained fixed on the coming of a political kingdom, Jesus invited them to see in his ministry the inauguration of the kingdom. For the more they remained fixed on the emergence of a political kingdom, the more they didn’t realize that they were being ‘left behind.’ And when they would finally open their eyes, it would be too late. The kingdom was already present in their midst. All they needed to do was to jump on board.