QUESTION: In John 2:1-11 Christ miraculously turned water into wine at a marriage feast. We all know the purpose of wine when served at a wedding. Since Christ made a fermented beverage for the people to drink, why are the churches of Christ opposed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages?
ANSWER: The question jumped to the erroneous conclusion that Christ created a “fermented beverage” which would cause intoxication. Many people see the word “wine” in the Scripture and go to Webster’s definition. Mr. Webster does not deal in definitions for the Hebrew or Koine Greek texts.
There are three main Hebrew words rendered “wine.” (1) Yayin is found 140 times in the Old Testament and refers to that which is pressed or squeezed from fruit; cf.
Exodus 29:40; Numbers 6:3; Nehemiah 5:15; Isaiah 5:11; et al. (2) Tirosh is found 32 times and is always commended coming from wheat, corn, oil; Numbers 18:12; Deuteronomy 28:51; Nehemiah 10:39; et al. (3) Shekar is found 42 times and is made from sources other than grapes, and is always condemned and is found in association with woes and sorrows; cf. Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; Deuteronomy 14:26; Proverbs 31:6; Isaiah 24:9; 28:7; 56:12; et al.
There are two Koine Greek terms that must be considered: (1) Oinos which corresponds to Yayin and Tirosh but not to Shekar.
(2) Gleukos is found only once in Acts 2:13; and is defined: “…sweet wine… new wine…” (Vine’s and Strong’s). Gary Summers has cited the Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament: “Gleukos means strictly (unfermented juice of grapes) hence, sweet new wine.” Wine that is sweet and new is not intoxicating.
Abraham Lincoln once said that “Alcohol has many defenders, but it has no defense!”
In John 2 the ruler of the feast could still distinguish the quality of the drink being served to his guests.
The Hebrew writer speaks of Jesus saying, “We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). Notice please, that our Lord was/is “without sin.” Christ commanded the servants to carry the wine which He had miraculously created to the ruler and to all the wedding guests. Our Lord lived and died under the authority of old law.
That Law states: “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also…’ (Habakkuk 2:15). Christ made approximately 150 gallons of the “best wine” according to the text. If Jesus Christ made just one person drunk or gave one drop of an intoxicating beverage that day, then Jesus Christ sinned! If Jesus Christ sinned, then He cannot be our Savior! The Word of God declares in clarion tones that Jesus Christ was without sin! A warm welcome awaits you at all the services of the Maysville church of Christ, located at Main and Ash Streets. We have worship services each Sunday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Bible classes for all ages are held Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. A warm welcome awaits you at all these services. We welcome your Bible questions at P.O. Box 562, Maysville, OK 73057 or at jessandterr@yahoo.com.