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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
John chapter 2 records Jesus performing a miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. At the wedding, the hosts ran out of wine. Jesus' mother, Mary, asks Jesus to intervene, and He does so, reluctant...
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Pastor Shafer
Supporter
[As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all] Just as the new wine or sweet juice in the cluster is valued and preserved for use, so God will preserve a remnant of Israel to be blessed in the eternal society under the Messiah (Isa. 65:8-9). The juice of grapes being called wine while still in the cluster shows that all wine referred to was not necessarily fermented or intoxicating. Isaiah 65:8-9 (KJV)8 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: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all. 9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. References to "Wine" in the New Testament: 1. New wine or newly-made wine as grape juice (Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-39). The "new wine" of Acts 2:13 refers to sweet wine. The Greek word, oinos (NT:3631) is sometimes used in Greek literature of fermented wine. 2. It was "mixed wine" (Mark 15:23). 3. It was contrasted with "strong drink" (Luke 1:15). 4. It was used as medicine (Luke 10:34) 5. Jesus made wine (John 2:3-10; John 4:46). 6. Paul's advised against it for Christians (Romans 14:21). 7. God's warning against drunkenness by wine (Ephes. 5:18), excess of wine (1 Peter 4:3), and one not to be given to wine (1 Tim. 3:3,8; Titus 1:7; Titus 2:3). 8. Timothy was advised to use a little for his infirmity (1 Tim. 5:23, note). 9. "Wine" was used figuratively (Rev. 14:8,10; Rev. 16:19; Rev. 17:2; Rev. 18:3). 10. The ruthless destruction of it was forbidden (Rev. 6:6). Cp. Rev. 18:13. "Wine" is used of both fermented and unfermented drink in Scripture. It speaks of the juice of grapes as "wine" while it is still on the cluster (Isaiah 65:8), and calls it "new wine" when it is just pressed out of the grapes, making it impossible to decide in every case whether the reference is to that which is fermented or unfermented. One thing is certain: A drunkard shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; 2 Cor. 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21). So I Ask Why Would The Son Of God Give What God Is Against? John 2:9-10 (KJV) 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. Jesus Makes The Difference Even IN The Water And Man Made Wine The juice of grapes being called wine while still in the cluster shows that all wine referred to was not necessarily fermented or intoxicating.
Kenneth Heck
Supporter
The wine of Jesus' time had significantly less alcohol content than what is produced today, probably no more than that of today's lite beer. Regarding changing water into wine, it is my personal belief that the molecular structure wasn't altered, but wine from a different source (perhaps the palace) was substituted by the angels for the water in the jars. Likewise, the manna eaten by the Israelites originally came from the granaries of Egypt before being processed by angels and distributed over the Israelite's camp. This doesn't mean that both shouldn't be regarded as memorable miracles of God; both also contain prophetic implications for the future when Christians will be severely persecuted by the Beast.
Robin Hill
Supporter
Unlike weddings of today, the wedding feast went on typically for a whole week. This was to allow for other relatives/friends to come from a far, at times convenient to them. So, when Jesus turned the water into wine, it suggests that it was later in the week when supplies were running low, NOT that people had drunk all the wine in one sitting and were drunk! Regarding Christians and drinking, this is something we all have to work out for ourselves. I however, think that if it were true that people with the Holy Spirit shouldn't drink as it 'pollutes the temple' (as some say) then John the baptist would have 'come drinking' and Jesus (being VERY HOLY) would have come not drinking! Instead the scriptures attest to the opposite! We must still be careful of the 'weaker brother' though. If someone does not drink, then don't drink around them.
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