From ChatGPT 10/9/2025. Note the two related posts this date.
1st Prompt – Cite the scripture where Jesus said the Kingdom of God is now.
The phrase “the Kingdom of God is now” does not appear verbatim in any of the canonical Gospels. However, Jesus does make statements indicating that the Kingdom of God has arrived or is present among people. Critical scripture passages include:
- Luke 17:20-21 (NRSV) – “Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’”
- Here, Jesus emphasizes that the Kingdom is already present “among you,” indicating a present reality rather than a purely future event.
- Mark 1:14-15 (NRSV) – “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’”
- “Has come near” (Greek: ēngiken) implies the Kingdom’s arrival is imminent or beginning to be realized in the present moment.
- Matthew 12:28 (NRSV) – “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
- This links Jesus’ works to the tangible arrival of God’s Kingdom among the people.
Summary: Jesus consistently presents the Kingdom of God as both a present reality (“among you,” “has come upon you”) and a future hope. So while he doesn’t say “the Kingdom of God is now” word-for-word, passages like Luke 17:21, Mark 1:15, and Matthew 12:28 convey that meaning.
If you want, I can make a short list of all NT passages where Jesus indicates the Kingdom of God is present, so you have a comprehensive reference. Do you want me to do that? A: Yes.
Here’s a concise list of key New Testament passages where Jesus indicates that the Kingdom of God is present or “has come near”, rather than purely a future reality:
1. Luke 17:20-21 (NRSV)
“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’”
- Jesus stresses the Kingdom is already among the people.
2. Mark 1:14-15 (NRSV)
“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’”
- “Has come near” (ēngiken) shows the Kingdom’s imminent and present reality.
3. Matthew 12:28 (NRSV)
“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
- Jesus links his miraculous works to the manifestation of God’s Kingdom.
4. Matthew 4:17 (NRSV)
“From that time Jesus began to proclaim, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
- Echoes Mark 1:15; emphasizes urgency and presence of the Kingdom.
5. Luke 10:9 (NRSV)
“Cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
- The Kingdom is experienced through healing and ministry.
6. John 3:3-5 (NRSV)
“Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above… Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.’”
- The Kingdom is spiritually accessible now through rebirth.
7. Luke 11:20 (NRSV)
“But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
- Similar to Matthew 12:28; Jesus’ miracles demonstrate God’s reign arriving.
Summary:
Jesus presents the Kingdom of God as both already present through his ministry and works, and coming in the future in its fullness. The passages in Luke, Mark, and Matthew are the clearest indicators of its present reality.
If you want, I can make a very short “cheat sheet” table with these verses and their exact phrasing, so it’s easy to reference quickly in study or teaching. Do you want me to do that? A: Yes.
Here’s a compact cheat sheet table of the key verses where Jesus indicates the Kingdom of God is present. I’ve included the scripture, wording, and the sense of present reality:
| Scripture | Wording (NRSV/ASV) | Sense of Present Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Luke 17:20-21 (NRSV) | “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed… For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” | Kingdom is already among people |
| Mark 1:14-15 (NRSV) | “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” | Kingdom has come near, present urgency |
| Matthew 12:28 (NRSV) | “If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” | Kingdom manifested in Jesus’ works |
| Matthew 4:17 (NRSV) | “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” | Kingdom is imminent and present |
| Luke 10:9 (NRSV) | “Cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” | Kingdom experienced through ministry |
| Luke 11:20 (NRSV) | “If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” | Miracles demonstrate God’s reign |
| John 3:3-5 (NRSV) | “No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above… no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” | Kingdom is spiritually present through rebirth |
This table can be used as a quick reference in study, teaching, or devotion, highlighting that Jesus consistently portrays the Kingdom as both present now and coming in the future.
