Luke 23: What Will Happen When It Is Dry?

 For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” - Luke 23:31 NIV

Jesus asked this question as he was being led to his crucifixion.  The people had witnessed his miracles, healings, casting out demons and even raising the dead.  They were part of the birth of his ministry, but what was once new had become old and familiar.  Even Herod, who had heard of Jesus' work and at one time wanted to meet him, was no longer impressed.  Here was a man who would not even answer his questions.  How important could he be in the overall scheme of things.  Jesus is shuffled back to Pilate, who decides to give the people what they want.  'Give us Barabbas', they cry, 'that old rabble rouser.  Give us someone who will create a little excitement around here, not that tired worn out itinerant preacher who doesn't even have the words to defend himself.' 

These words of Jesus were in response to the wailing of a few women who followed him to the cross.
Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.  For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 
Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’
For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”  - Luke 23:28-31 NIV

Contrary to what the majority of the population felt, Jesus was still very much alive.  His ministry of three years was only the beginning, this was just the birth of the gospel.  There were centuries ahead where the message would go forth until it was proclaimed to the entire world.  Perhaps Jesus was referring to this time when he asked the question.  Is this the dry time in God's history?  Should we be surprised at what we see happening around us?  What will happen when it is dry?