“What Will De Done in the Dry?”

Introduction. As Jesus was led to the cross an interesting incident happened that led to an unusual statement by our Lord (Luke 23:26-31). Notice that Jesus declares that “days are coming”— of hardship or persecution. To what is Jesus referring? The destruction of Jerusalem? Some time of famine or war? He ends with the unusual statement, “if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”

I. What Does this Mean?

A.      Brother Colly Caldwell, in his commentary on the gospel of Luke suggest, “Here the green wood represents Jesus, Himself, and the living grace He had come down to offer mankind. Dry wood is dead and readily burns. In this context, it represents the nation which rejected Christ. The question figuratively poses a proverb. If what these women were witnessing is done to the One representing spiritual life...what terrible destiny awaited the sinful guilty nation...who put to death the Son of God?” (Colly Caldwell, Truth Commentary on Luke 1292-93).

1.      He makes some interesting points here, but is it clear here that Jesus is represented by the reference to “green wood”?

2.      It may be that Jesus refers to Himself indirectly, but we should note that Jesus speaks of what is done “in the green wood” not “to the green wood.”

a. The King James Version puts this “green tree.” The Greek word xulon can refer to “timber” in general. Sometimes it can be talking about a “tree” or even the “cross.”

B.      The figures of a “dry tree” and a “green tree” are used in different ways in Scripture.

1.      The eunuch, unable to bear children may consider himself a “dry tree,” but if he was faithful to the Lord he would be blessed (Isa. 56:3-5).

2.      The “green tree” and “dry tree” can refer to the righteous and the wicked, who would both be affected by Babylon (Ezek. 20:47). In this sense it is like the fruitless tree.

a.       It will be cut down (Luke 3:7-9).

b.      Fruitless branches are pruned and burned (John 15:1-6).

c.       Jesus cursed a fig tree as a figure of Jerusalem’s fruitless service, which would soon be punished (Matt. 21:18-20).

C.      But, the “green tree” and “dry tree” can also refer to life conditions.

1.      The poor “dry tree” will be blessed while the prosperous “green tree” will be humbled (Ezek. 17:22-24).

II. “What Will Be Done in the Dry?”

A.      Jesus is talking about what is being done to Him “in the green wood,” and He warns that they will see worse things “in the dry.”

1.      He seems to be talking about conditions of life as “green” even though they acted this way—and warns of life conditions He calls “dry” when things will be even worse.

B.      During the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD...

1.      Josephus records that the siege of the Roman commander Titus lasted from April to September during which 1,100,000 died and 97,000 were taken away captive (Wars 6.9.3).

2.      600,000 dead bodies were thrown from the gates, and within the city the bodies of the dead lay in heaps (Ibid. 5.13.7).

3.      The lack of food led to fighting over every morsel of food, with the hungry forced to gnaw on leather straps and sandals for some sustenance (Ibid. 6.3.3).

4.      Some even killed nursing infants and cooked them for food (Ibid. 6.3.4).

C.      Jesus’ words likely have direct application to God’s judgment on Israel, but let’s consider some general applications it may also have.

1.      Our strength is small if adversity leads us to fall (Prov. 24:10).

2.      We often look at things different when adversity comes (Ecc. 7:13-14).

3.      Adversity often reveals who really cares about us (Prov. 17:17).

a.       Will we love “at all times”?

III. What if...

A.      It was against the law to assemble for worship?—Would I continue faithfully, or would it even impact my life?

B.      You could be beaten for teaching the truth about homosexuality, drinking, divorce, or false religion?—Would it threaten my safety at all?

C.      As parents, it became illegal to teach your children about Jesus, spank them as the Bible teaches, or prevent them from doing things their friends do?—Would such laws change anything about how I raise my children?

D.     Our culture tried to force us to dress like them, talk like them, act like them, or sin like them?—Would it even be evident that I was different?

E.      A brother or sister was imprisoned for faith?—Would I reach out to support them, or would I show them no more support than I do now?

F.      You could be killed for reading the Bible?—Would my life even be in danger at all?

Conclusion. If we don’t do what we should when things are good—should we imagine we will when things are tough?

A. All who are in Christ will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:10-12).

1. Things often get worse in life (2 Tim. 3:13).

2. We must “continue” in faith (2 Tim. 3:14-17).

B. Hardship leads to character (Rom. 5:3-5).

C. Our lives and our work are tested by the fires of life (1 Cor. 3:11-15).