When the Buds Begin to Bloom: Recognizing the Nearness of the Kingdom

.

SERMON TITLE: “When the Buds Begin to Bloom: Recognizing the Nearness of the Kingdom” Text: Luke 21:29–33 “Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” NKJV

INTRODUCTION

Beloved, we are not living in ordinary times—we are living in prophetic times. We are not merely turning pages in a calendar; we are turning pages in prophecy. The winds are shifting. The earth is groaning. The heavens are thundering. God is speaking louder than ever before, and the question is: Are we listening?

In Luke 21:29–33, Jesus doesn’t just give us information—He gives us revelation. He points to the fig tree, a simple plant, and teaches a profound truth. He says, “Look at the fig tree and all the trees…” In other words, pay attention to the signs around you. When the branches begin to soften and the buds begin to bloom, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see prophetic signs unfolding, know that the Kingdom of God is at the door.

This is not the hour to slumber. This is not the hour for lukewarm living. This is the hour to be watchmen on the wall, sounding the alarm, discerning the season, and awakening the Church from its spiritual slumber.

The fig tree is budding—Israel has been reborn. Nations are rising against nations. Deception is increasing. The earth is shaking. The love of many is growing cold. And yet, amidst the chaos and confusion, the Word of Jesus stands unshaken: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Listen carefully: when Jesus spoke of the budding fig tree, He wasn’t trying to impress us—He was trying to prepare us. He was saying, “Look! Pay attention! The hour is late, the trumpet is about to sound, and the King is coming!”

Let me ask you—if you knew tomorrow was your last day on earth, how would you live today? Would you forgive? Would you worship more passionately? Would you finally obey that calling you've been running from? Because Jesus didn’t give us this parable so we could debate prophecy—He gave it so we could live ready.

This morning, the Spirit of the Living God is drawing us back to spiritual sobriety, to holy urgency, to passionate obedience. God is looking for a Church that will stop playing and start praying. A Church that will stop sitting in pews and start standing on promises. A Church that will not only see the signs but respond with fire and faith.

The fig tree is blooming, saints of God. The time is now. The Kingdom is near. The Word is forever. And the Bride must be ready.

POINT 1: The Budding of the Fig Tree – Recognizing Prophetic Signs

Scripture: Luke 21:29-30 When a fig tree buds, it signals summer is near. In Scripture, the fig tree often represents Israel (Jeremiah 24:1-10; Hosea 9:10). The rebirth of Israel as a nation in 1948 is a major fulfillment of this “budding.”

Illustration: In 1945, after World War II, many believed that hope for the Jewish people was lost. Yet in just three years, Israel was reborn—a miracle of prophetic magnitude. Like a dormant tree bursting into bloom, God’s Word came alive before the eyes of the world.

Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 24:32-33 – The fig tree as a symbol of prophetic seasons

Isaiah 66:8 – “Shall a nation be born in a day?”

POINT 2: Discern the Season – The Urgency of Spiritual Awareness

Scripture: Luke 21:30-31 Jesus is calling for discernment. Just as we know summer by nature’s signals, so must we recognize spiritual signs.

Illustration: A farmer doesn’t plant in winter. He watches the soil and skies. The same goes for the Church. We cannot afford to ignore the signs—wars, lawlessness, deception, and global shaking. These aren’t coincidences; they are contractions before the birthing of the Kingdom.

Supporting Scripture:

1 Chronicles 12:32 – The sons of Issachar understood the times

Romans 13:11 – “It is high time to awake out of sleep…”

POINT 3: The Nearness of the Kingdom – It’s Closer Than You Think

Scripture: Luke 21:31 When Jesus says “the Kingdom of God is near,” He is calling for immediate response. The nearness demands readiness.

Illustration: During the 9/11 attacks, people called loved ones in panic. No one was concerned with trivial matters—everyone turned to what mattered most. That’s how we should live: alert, aware, and anchored in God’s eternal purpose.

Supporting Scripture:

James 5:8 – “Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

Hebrews 10:25 – “So much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

POINT 4: This Generation – The People Who Will Witness It All

Scripture: Luke 21:32 Jesus proclaims that the generation witnessing these signs will not pass until “all things take place.” This is both sobering and stirring.

Illustration: Consider those born around 1948—many are still alive. That generation witnessed the rebirth of Israel and continues to see unfolding global events. Jesus may have been speaking of that literal generation—or of the generation alive during the final convergence of prophetic signs.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 102:16 – “When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory.”

Daniel 12:4 – Knowledge and travel shall increase in the last days

POINT 5: The Unshakeable Word – Anchored in Eternal Truth

Scripture: Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away. Stock markets will crash. Nations will fall. But one thing will remain: the Word of God.

Illustration: In 1934, William Tyndale’s printed English Bibles were being burned by religious authorities. Yet today, the very Book they tried to destroy is the most published text in history. God’s Word is fireproof, bulletproof, and eternal.

Supporting Scripture:

Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever.”

Matthew 24:35 – Parallel to Luke 21:33 – reaffirming the unchangeable nature of Christ’s words

POINT 6: Don’t Be Dull – Stay Watchful and Ready

Application of the Parable The budding tree does no good for a blind man. Jesus wants His followers awake, watchful, and walking in faith—not distracted or intoxicated by the world.

Illustration: Imagine driving toward a bridge that’s out—but the warning signs are removed. The danger isn’t the collapse—it’s the ignorance. God in His mercy gives signs to prepare us, not scare us.

Supporting Scripture:

Luke 21:34-36 – “Take heed to yourselves…”

1 Peter 4:7 – “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”

POINT 7: Responding to the Signs – A Call to Revival, Repentance, and Readiness

Final Application The parable of the fig tree is not just prophetic—it’s personal. Jesus is not only telling us about the world’s timeline—He’s knocking on the door of our hearts.

Illustration: A pastor once shared, “If I knew Jesus was coming tomorrow, I wouldn’t change my preaching—I’d just preach with more urgency.” That’s the fire we need today: to live like He’s coming any moment, and to love Him like He already has.

Supporting Scripture:

Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…”

2 Peter 3:10-14 – “What manner of persons ought you to be…”

CONCLUSION (Spirit-Filled & Enriched):

As we draw this message to a close, let me remind you: the budding fig tree is not a mystery—it’s a merciful warning. God in His love has not left us ignorant. He has given us signs, scriptures, and a Savior. The signs are shouting louder than ever: the fig tree is blooming, the clouds are gathering, and the sound of the Bridegroom’s footsteps is drawing near.

But the question remains: Are you watching, or are you sleeping? Are you rooted in the world, or are you rooted in the Word? Because only one will endure when all else fades.

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” That means kingdoms will collapse, empires will vanish, and even the stars will dim, but the Word of God will remain unshaken, unchanged, and unfailing.

Today, Jesus is not just pointing at the fig tree—He’s knocking on the door of your heart. He’s calling you to live ready. To repent. To return. To re-fire your faith. The signs of the times aren’t meant to fill us with fear, but with fire. They're not calling for panic—they’re calling for preparation.

You don’t need to know the exact hour to live like it could be today.

Don’t wait for another confirmation. Don’t wait for a louder voice. Don’t wait for next Sunday. Today is the day of salvation. The Lord is looking for those who will say, “Yes, Lord—I will live ready.”

CLOSING PRAYER:

Let us bow our heads and come before the Lord.

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we come before You with trembling hearts and burning desire. We thank You for the warning, for the Word, and for the witness of Your Spirit. Lord, we do not want to miss the hour of Your visitation. Awaken us from spiritual slumber. Remove every distraction. Break every chain. Forgive us for treating Your Word lightly and for ignoring the signs around us.

We ask You, Lord, stir up a holy urgency in our hearts. Ignite fresh fire in our souls. Let us live as those who are eagerly waiting for the return of the King. Let us walk in faith, truth, and boldness, declaring to a dying world that the Kingdom of God is near.

Father, we repent. We return. And we recommit. As the fig tree buds, we respond. We rise up as Your remnant, ready, watchful, and unashamed.

We declare: Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly. Until You do, find us faithful. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen and amen.