Did Jesus Make Intoxicating Wine in John 2? (Part 1)
Jesus attended a marriage feast in Cana of Galilee (John
2:1-11). While the marriage feast was taking place, they ran
out of wine (John 2:3). Jesus then demonstrated his mighty
power in turning water into wine (John 2:5-11). Some believe
that Jesus made an intoxicating beverage. There are several
lines of argumentation offered in rebuttal to this
blasphemous belief.
First, the word “wine” is from the Greek word oinos. This
is a generic word that can refer either to an intoxicating
beverage or simply to grape juice. The context must always
determine which is meant. Eph. 5:18 states, “Be not drunk
with wine.” Obviously, the word “wine” in this instance
refers to an intoxicating beverage. Then, Isaiah 65:8
declares, “Thus saith the Lord, As the new wine is found in the
cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not: for a blessing is in it: . . .”
Notice that the wine is found “in the cluster.” This is an
obvious allusion to the grape cluster. The juice inside the
grape cluster is referred to as “wine.” Of course, we
recognize that this can’t possibly be intoxicated. It is simply
grape juice. Notice as well that it is said, “a blessing is in
it.” There is no “blessing” to be found in intoxicating
beverages, but there is in pure grape juice. When the word
“wine” is used in John 2, the context must determine
whether an intoxicating beverage was created or whether
grape juice is under consideration. The fact is, both the
immediate context and the overall context forbid that Jesus
made an intoxicating liquid. John 2:6 says there were “six
waterpots of stone.” Each waterpot contained “two or three
firkins apiece.” A “firkin” is literally about 9 gallons. If we
multiply 2 times 9, we get 18. Eighteen multiplied six times
(the number of waterpots) equals 108 gallons. If we multiply
3 times 9, we get 27. Twenty-seven multiplied six times
equals 162 gallons. Therefore, there was anywhere from 108
to 162 gallons that these waterpots held. Jesus ordered that
the waterpots be filled to the brim (v. 7). Get this: They had
already “well drunk” what they originally had (v. 10). Did
Jesus make between 108 and 162 gallons of intoxicants more
so they could continue to imbibe? It is quite incredible that
anyone could charge the pure and sinless Son of God with
doing so. Next week, we will consider additional proof why
Jesus didn’t make an intoxicating beverage but pure grape
juice.