Biblical Answer

The Question of Jesus Drinking Wine

The question of whether Jesus drank wine has been debated by scholars and theologians for centuries. Some have argued that Jesus abstained from wine, while others have suggested that he drank it on occasion. The Bible provides several accounts of Jesus' interactions with wine, which we will examine in this section.

Jesus' Use of Wine

The Bible records several instances where Jesus used wine. In John 2:1-10, Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This was his first miracle, and it is described as a sign of his glory. The wine Jesus provided was substantial, even extravagant, with estimates ranging from 120 to 150 gallons. In Luke 22:18, Jesus promises to drink wine with his disciples in the heavenly kingdom. Furthermore, in Matthew 26:29, Jesus says, "I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." These passages suggest that Jesus did drink wine, but not in the sense of intoxication or excess. Rather, he used wine as a symbol of his presence and a reminder of his covenant with his followers.

Jesus' Attitude Towards Wine

Jesus' attitude towards wine is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, he used wine as a symbol of his presence and a reminder of his covenant with his followers. On the other hand, he refused to drink the wine offered to him on the cross, which was likely a mild sedative or a dehydrating liquid. This refusal suggests that Jesus was not interested in playing the role of a victim or in succumbing to the suffering of his death. Instead, he faced his death with dignity and courage, refusing to compromise his values or his mission. In this sense, Jesus' attitude towards wine reflects his broader attitude towards life, which was characterized by a commitment to his mission and a refusal to compromise his values.