Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was falsely accused of drunkenness by His detractors. This accusation is found in the context of His ministry, where He was often misunderstood and misrepresented by those who opposed Him. The charge of drunkenness was part of a broader attempt to discredit His message and undermine His authority.The accusation is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. In Matthew 11:18-19 , Jesus addresses the criticisms leveled against both John the Baptist and Himself: "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at Him, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions." Similarly, in Luke 7:33-34 , the same accusation is recounted: "For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at Him, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’" These accusations were part of a broader pattern of criticism from the religious leaders and others who were resistant to Jesus' teachings. The Pharisees and scribes, in particular, were often at odds with Jesus, as His teachings challenged their interpretations of the Law and their understanding of righteousness. By labeling Jesus as a "drunkard," they sought to dismiss His ministry and cast doubt on His character. The context of these accusations highlights the contrast between the ascetic lifestyle of John the Baptist and the more socially engaged approach of Jesus. John, known for his austere lifestyle, was accused of having a demon, while Jesus, who participated in meals and gatherings, was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard. These accusations reveal the inconsistency and hypocrisy of Jesus' critics, who were unwilling to accept the truth of His message regardless of the messenger's approach. Jesus' association with tax collectors and sinners was a deliberate part of His ministry, demonstrating His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). His willingness to engage with those marginalized by society was a testament to His compassion and the inclusive nature of the Gospel. The accusation of drunkenness, therefore, was not only false but also a misrepresentation of His purpose and mission. In the broader biblical context, drunkenness is consistently portrayed as a vice and a behavior to be avoided. Proverbs 20:1 warns, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." Ephesians 5:18 instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." These teachings underscore the moral and spiritual dangers associated with drunkenness, further highlighting the baselessness of the accusations against Jesus. The false accusation of drunkenness against Jesus serves as a reminder of the opposition He faced and the lengths to which His adversaries would go to discredit Him. Despite these challenges, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission, embodying the wisdom and righteousness that ultimately vindicated His ministry. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 11:19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a drunkard, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. Nave's Topical Index Library From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment Mary at the Cross. Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Kept from Iniquity Matt. v. 1, 2 Hebrews iv. 13-Nov Articles of Religion. 1 Cor. xi. 17 The Sixth Commandment Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Resources Is it a sin to drink alcohol? | GotQuestions.orgIs getting drunk a sin? | GotQuestions.org What is the origin of Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras? | GotQuestions.org Drunkenness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Drunkenness is a Work of the Flesh Drunkenness: Avoid Those Given To Drunkenness: Ben-Hadad and his Thirty-Two Confederate Kings Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Given To Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Who Encourage Drunkenness: Excludes from Heaven Drunkenness: False Teachers often Addicted To Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Hannah Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Jesus Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of The Apostles Drunkenness: Folly of Yielding To Drunkenness: General Scriptures Concerning Drunkenness: Leads to Contempt of God's Works Drunkenness: Leads to Rioting and Wantonness Drunkenness: Leads to Scorning Drunkenness: Leads to Woe and Sorrow Drunkenness: Overcharges the Heart Drunkenness: Takes Away the Heart Drunkenness: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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