Pints and Saints Part III
A guest post by Mark Steffey
"May God give you of heaven’s dew and of earth’s richness-
an abundance of grain and new wine." Genesis 27:28
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ‘But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Matthew 11:19
Jesus first miracle takes place at a wedding in Cana, where he turns water into wine (John 2:1-11) This familiar story is a clear indication of Jesus’ view that alcoholic beverages can be, when consumed in moderation, an important element in celebration and fellowship. Jesus’ miracle brings life to a party that was threatened by a lack of wine.
Later, as Jesus’ ministry continues, he spends most of his time with people on the margins of society, the sinners, including tax collectors, prostitutes, and common fishermen (Matthew 9:10). He is often found at parties and in social situations that include people viewed by the religious leaders as “sinners.” In the passage listed above, Jesus defends his lifestyle to the crowds while speaking of the life and ministry of John the Baptist. John has abstained from all alcohol, but Jesus was here clearly stating that both he and John lived a life that was pleasing to God, even though they differed in this area.
Finally, at the last supper, Jesus institutes a meal to remember his coming sacrifice, using wine to represent his blood (Matthew 26:28). I am not claiming here that Jesus used wine because he was instituting “drinking” as a normative practice for his followers. But it is interesting to note that at this most sacred of meals, which the church has throughout its history viewed as an important part of its liturgy, Jesus uses wine.
These three events show that Jesus, when finding himself in situations where “ministry opportunity” and alcohol intersected, chose to use the most of the setting. Of course, the drink mentioned in all three of these passage is wine, not beer, but the example remains just as valid. Jesus drank. The church today must do the same as Jesus did. The reality of the culture we live in is that many people drink in social settings, especially bars and pubs. The church, as Guder notes in Missional Church, must not shrink back from the culture, but engage it as it is. He says, “The apostolic character of the church implies a variety of ways in which its mission is carried out, and thus a variety of structures that a missional ecclesiology must address (Guder 1998: 75).”
The idea that Christians should embrace and engage the world of beer and alcohol is something that is not new, but rather has been lost over time…
Next post in this series: Drinking with Calvin and Luther
It was funny to me as I departed the Catholic Church in the late 80′s that folks in Evangelical churches railed against alcohol consumption. I remember as a kid going to church festivals where beer and wine were the norm and yes so were some of the drunks, and it made sense to me. It was not unusual to see the priest or the nuns having a beer at these events.
Because I myself as a young adult had an issue with alcohol for a variety of reasons, my new found faith in the 80′s did resonate. So.., I went through a season of no alcohol consumption at all, but within the last 3-4 years have begun having an occasional beer or wine. It is balance and knowing yourself and your limits that is the issue for many. Until you know that – then you should be very careful; because there is an invisible line knowing when your drunk or not.
That being said…, there is nothing like an excellent micro-brew or a fine wine from a fine establishment with a gathering of friends, where everyone knows your name.
Richie,
Thanks for sharing your personal journey. Before I came to know Christ I was part of a fraternity in college and put down some beer myself. And then like you, for a long season I didn’t drink at all. Now I find myself drinking responsibly. I’m more into red wine now, due to health reasons, but I love an occasional beer, but mostly I just love hanging with friends and getting to know new friends in an environment that they are comfortable with.
Alchohol can be over done-like anything else.However when you understand it as a natural part of life-it is just that.Take the french and Italians-nothing better than a long meal with family and friends and some good wine.I guess some parts of the American Church still suffer from the cultural issues surrounding prohibition.
Apart from the humanity of enjoying a drink,it is a great contact with a world that often abuses it.We started the Alpha course with a fantastic meal and wine.Unchurched people were delighted that they could enjoy something familiar with these Christians-ie food and drink
Hi,
Thank you for sharing these scriptures.
At the moment i’m reading a book ‘God loves the freaks’by Stephen Weese.
It is about reaching out to subcultures and those who are considered the freaks of society.’we don’t have to change to be loved’.
sonja
i’m not very familiar with the cultural background of the Jews in the first century or even the culture of that time. But, it seemed to me that wine might be a better source of liquid than water because it might be cleaner – thus wine could be a common daily drink. So maybe we shouldn’t read too much into it, except that Christ engaged His culture , He knew His culture and community well, and know where to find the sick that needs Him the most. And that we need to do the same, whether it’s at a pub, or a fitness club.
Daniel
Willi,
That is cool that you started Alpha classes with a little food and drink. It is interesting how some in America look at this topic. I appreciate your words.
Sonja,
That sounds like a fascinating book. Thanks for sharing.
Daniel,
Thanks for your thoughts. It is interesting that wine is talking about positively throughout scripture except if one uses it to get drunk. To be merry is cool, but to get drunk is not. I’m with you, we need to connect with people in pubs, in fitness clubs and wherever the Lord might lead us. I think you will find the next post in this series interesting in regard to Luther and Calvin.
[...] Part III: Jesus and Alcohol What did Jesus do when finding himself in situations where "ministry opportunity" and alcohol intersected? [...]