For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry? (Luke 23:31)

Answer: The statement Jesus makes in Luke 23:31, “For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” holds deep theological meaning and connects to several important themes in Scripture.

Context and Interpretation

In Luke 23:31, Jesus says this to the women who were mourning for Him as He was being led to the cross. He makes a powerful analogy comparing Himself to a green tree and the people to dry trees. The full verse reads:

“For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?” (Luke 23:31, KJV)

The “green wood” symbolizes Jesus, who is innocent, full of life, and untainted by sin. Despite His righteousness, He was about to suffer cruelly at the hands of sinful people. The “dry wood” represents those who are unrepentant, spiritually barren, and distant from God. Jesus is implying that if the world does this to Him, the perfect and righteous one, then what can be expected for those who are far from God, the spiritually dry?

Jesus as the “Green Tree”

In Scripture, trees are often used as symbols of spiritual life. In John 15:1-8, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:1-2, KJV)

Here, Jesus is the source of life and nourishment for His followers, just as the vine provides sustenance to its branches. He calls Himself the “green tree” because He embodies righteousness, healing, and eternal life, and He produces spiritual fruit in those who abide in Him.

Additionally, in Revelation 22:2, Jesus is depicted as the “Tree of Life” in the New Jerusalem:

“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2, KJV)

The tree of life in Revelation represents eternal life and healing, further emphasizing Jesus’ role as the source of spiritual life for humanity.

Dry Trees and Spiritual Barrenness

The dry tree in Luke 23:31 is a symbol of spiritual barrenness and judgment. In Matthew 7:19, Jesus teaches:

“Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” (Matthew 7:19, KJV)

This is a warning about the consequences of not abiding in Christ. Just as dry trees are worthless and destined to be burned, those who reject Christ and live in sin face the ultimate consequence of separation from God, which is spiritual death and eternal judgment (see Revelation 20:15).

Jesus uses this metaphor to warn His followers that if they persecute Him, who is the green tree, they will surely persecute them too, as His followers will also be opposed by the world. This is in line with His teachings in John 15:18-21:

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:18-19, KJV)

The world’s hatred of Jesus extends to His followers. This persecution and rejection are a mark of their identification with Him. As Jesus was rejected, so too will His followers be rejected. This is the nature of living in a world that is spiritually dry, far from God, and hostile to the truth of the gospel.

Theological Significance

Christ’s Innocence and Suffering: Jesus, the green tree, represents innocence, holiness, and life. Despite His purity, He was condemned to die. This illustrates the great injustice of the crucifixion and foreshadows the suffering of the righteous in a world that does not recognize God’s truth.
The Persecution of Believers: The dry trees, those who do not bear fruit, symbolize the fate of those who reject Christ. Jesus warns that if they treated the innocent and righteous Jesus with such cruelty, how much worse will it be for those who reject the gospel? Persecution is an inevitable part of the Christian experience because the world has rejected Jesus.
Spiritual Life and Fruitfulness: The green tree points to Jesus as the source of life. In John 15:5, Jesus declares:

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5, KJV)

Jesus is the life-giving source to His followers, and they are called to bear fruit that reflects His character. Those who remain in Him will produce spiritual fruit, such as love, joy, peace, and righteousness (Galatians 5:22-23).

Persevering Through Trials: Jesus’ suffering was not only a moment of atonement but also a model for His followers. Just as Jesus faced rejection and suffering, His followers will face similar challenges. But these trials are not signs of God’s displeasure, but of identification with Christ (Romans 8:17).

Conclusion

In Luke 23:31, Jesus’ reference to the “green wood” and “dry wood” is a profound theological statement about His innocence, the world’s rejection of Him, and the persecution believers will face. By calling Himself the green tree, Jesus underscores His role as the source of life and righteousness. The dry trees represent those who reject Him, destined for judgment. This passage teaches that Christians will face suffering for their faith, just as Jesus did, but it also reminds us that our suffering is a part of God’s redemptive plan, aligning us with Christ’s own experience. As Jesus said, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20, KJV).

May we take comfort in knowing that our trials, like Christ’s, are not in vain, and we are called to bear fruit in Him, standing firm in the faith, even in the face of opposition.