Drinking Wine: What did Jesus say about Drinking Wine

Jesus’ teachings and actions regarding wine are documented in various places in the New Testament, reflecting the cultural and religious context of his time. Wine was a common beverage in ancient times, often safer to drink than water due to the fermentation process killing bacteria. Here are some relevant Bible verses and insights:

Relevant Bible Verses

1. The Wedding at Cana – John 2:1-11

• In this passage, Jesus performs his first recorded miracle by turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This act is significant as it shows Jesus’ concern for social joy and celebration, his power over creation, and it symbolizes the new covenant in his blood, which is often associated with wine in the Eucharist.

1. The Last Supper – Matthew 26:27-29; Mark 14:23-25; Luke 22:17-20

• During the Last Supper, Jesus shares wine with his disciples, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). This establishes the practice of communion, where wine symbolizes Jesus’ blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

1. His Teachings – Luke 5:37-39

• Jesus uses the metaphor of new wine in old wineskins to teach about the incompatibility of his new teachings with old religious practices. This suggests a shift from old to new paradigms in understanding and practicing faith.

Three Main Takeaways

1. Symbolism and Significance of Wine

• Wine in Jesus’ actions and teachings is rich with symbolic meaning, representing joy, celebration, and most importantly, the new covenant between God and humanity through Jesus’ sacrifice. It underscores the transformative power of Jesus’ ministry and the new life he offers.

1. Jesus and Social Customs

• Jesus’ use of wine, as seen in the wedding at Cana, shows his respect for social customs and his desire to bring joy and celebration to people’s lives. It illustrates that Jesus’ message is not only spiritual but also concerns the well-being and happiness of individuals in their community contexts.

1. The New Covenant

• The most profound takeaway from Jesus’ references to wine is its association with the new covenant through his blood, as commemorated in the Eucharist or Communion. This new covenant marks the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a direct, personal relationship with God through Jesus, signifying a new era of grace and salvation.

These insights reflect the multifaceted role of wine in Jesus’ teachings and ministry, from a symbol of joy and celebration to a profound emblem of the new covenant and sacrifice.