Articles
Jesus Was Called a Drunkard…And He Didn’t Deny It
In Luke 7:34, we read that Jesus’ critics called Him a drunkard. Some have suggested that they would not have called Jesus a drunkard if He did not at the very least imbibe alcoholic wine on occasion. Others say the fact that Jesus never explicitly denied the charges means He at least consumed moderate amounts of alcohol. And so this text is used as justification by some that we can consume modern day distilled alcohol.
First, Jesus’ enemies were not interested in painting an accurate picture of Jesus. They merely wanted to discredit Him and rob Him of His influence. As a result, He was called many things – a Samaritan (John 8:48), demon-possessed (John 7:20), and a sinner (John 9:24). If we follow the same logic, does that mean Jesus had just a little bit of sin? Did He have a little bit of demon in Him? Was He at least part Samaritan? If we can see the utter falsehood in these accusations, why do we assume that the fact they called Him a drunkard means He engaged in the social drinking of alcohol?
Second, when you fight on the front lines long enough, you get used to taking some beatings. You will be slandered, insulted, and falsely accused. In the process, you learn that some false charges hurled at you are not worth defending. When Jesus was a called a Samaritan in John 8:48, he neither confirmed or denied it. Is His silence affirmation that He was of Samaritan descent? No, Jesus was keenly aware of the fact that those who knew Him needed no denial; and those who hated Him would accept no denial. When Herod questioned Jesus as the chief priests and scribes accused Him, Jesus was silent (Luke 23:9). Why? Because there are some accusations not worth defending. So when Jesus said instead, “Wisdom is vindicated by her children,” it implies that His followers were well acquainted with his manner of life and would continue to be so through eternity.
Third, when Jesus’ enemies claim that John refused wine (Luke 7:33), some assume John only refused intoxicating wine. However, the Nazarite vow prevented those under it from consuming any product from the grape, fermented or unfermented (Num 6:3-4). The contrast between John and Jesus is not that one did not consume alcoholic beverages whereas the other did. The contrast is that John was given to austerity and ascetic customs leading some to believe he had a demon (John), while Jesus went the opposite route by engaging people in social atmospheres leading some to accuse Him of being a drunkard (Jesus).
Finally, it is concerning that those who use this passage to claim Jesus engaged in social consumption of alcohol place more faith in the claims of Jesus’ enemies than the bible’s numerous warnings against strong drink (Prov 20:1; 21:17; 23:29-35; 31:4; Isa 5:11, 22). It begs the question of who we are allowing to influence our decision-making more, Jesus’ enemies or the Holy Spirit Himself?
