For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?

For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? (Luke 23:31)

This terrible question comes as Jesus is being led away to the trash heap where he will be crucified and die. Simon of Cyrene had just taken the cross to carry for Jesus, and Jesus hears the women wailing and crying for Him; He speaks a prophetic word, with this question thrown in: "For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

Jesus asks us to imagine a time when things will be worse for us than we can possibly imagine. Green wood does not burn easily; dry wood does. Imagine a time when things will be worse.

The answer is for us to not let things get that bad. We have voices, we should speak up. We have hands and arms, we should help out. We have faith, we should live a life that blesses God.

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