Did Jesus Make Intoxicating Wine in John 2? (Part 2)
We are currently offering several lines of proof as to why
Jesus did not make an intoxicating beverage in John 2. The
first line of argumentation was set forth in last week’s article,
which focused upon the word “wine” as it is used in the
scriptures.
Second, if Jesus did in fact make an intoxicating beverage,
then he violated numerous scriptures. Making an intoxicant
would have placed Jesus among (in fellowship with)
winebibbers, of which the Old Testament forbade (Pro. 23:20).
Then, in Habakkuk 2:15, the prophet of God declared, “Woe
unto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle
to him, and makest him drunken also.” If Jesus made an
alcoholic beverage, then he violated this scripture, of which he
was amenable.
Third, the context of John 2 clearly indicates that the wine
used was not fermented. According to John 2:10, the guests
had already consumed the entire supply (108 to 162 gallons).
The ruler of the feast, after having tasted the second batch
(that which Jesus made) anticipated that the guests would be
able to discern the qualitative difference between that which
the Lord had made and that which had already been served and
consumed. Most people who have “well drunk” (v. 10 – literally,
“drunk freely”) of alcoholic beverages hardly know where they
are, to say nothing of other matters requiring keener
discernment. In other words, their senses had not been dulled
as a result of previous drinking. This indicates that what they
had been drinking was not an intoxicating beverage but simply
grape juice. Thus, Jesus made the best grape juice that one
has ever tasted.
It is quite unfortunate that some would make a bartender
and a bootlegger out of our Lord. Of course, those who do so
seek to justify their drinking of intoxicants. Those who drink
intoxicants would do well to leave the Lord clear out of the
picture. The pure and holy Son of God would never condone
that which causes a person to lose their mind. The burden of
proof is upon those who believe Jesus made an intoxicating
beverage to provide the evidence. The fact is, no one can prove
that Jesus made an intoxicant. In fact, the evidence is
indisputable that he made pure grape juice.