Gluttony: Christ Was Falsely Accused of
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In the New Testament, Jesus Christ faced various accusations from His detractors, one of which was the charge of gluttony. This accusation is recorded in the Gospels and reflects the broader context of the opposition Jesus encountered from religious leaders and others who misunderstood or rejected His ministry.

The accusation of gluttony against Jesus is found 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 recorded: "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 passages highlight the contrasting perceptions of John the Baptist and Jesus. John, known for his ascetic lifestyle, was accused of having a demon, while Jesus, who participated in meals and social gatherings, was labeled a glutton and a drunkard. The accusations against Jesus were not based on His actual behavior but were rather a reflection of the biases and misunderstandings of His critics.

The charge of gluttony was part of a broader attempt to discredit Jesus by associating Him with behaviors considered sinful or inappropriate by the religious standards of the time. By calling Him a "friend of tax collectors and sinners," His accusers sought to undermine His authority and message. However, Jesus' association with such individuals was a deliberate aspect of His ministry, demonstrating His mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

The accusation of gluttony also serves to illustrate the broader theme of Jesus' ministry challenging the established religious norms. His willingness to engage with those marginalized by society was a testament to His message of grace, mercy, and redemption. The criticism He faced underscores the tension between the new covenant He was establishing and the old traditions that many were reluctant to relinquish.

In addressing these accusations, Jesus pointed to the wisdom and righteousness of His actions, which would ultimately be vindicated. His life and ministry were characterized by a perfect balance of truth and grace, and His interactions with others were always marked by love and compassion, rather than excess or indulgence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 11:19
The 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Almost Christian
... a slanderer of his neighbour, who falsely accused any man ... prescribed in the gospel
of Christ; the having ... wine wherein is excess"; from revellings and gluttony. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 2 the almost christian.htm

Psalm XI.
... may go over to Christ, whom they falsely declare they ... who says, "But I speak concerning
Christ and the ... and makes ready his palate for gluttony: the righteous ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xi.htm

The Sifting Time, 1743-1750.
... They had still a burning love for Christ; they were ... conspirators against the State;
some accused them falsely of immorality, of gluttony, of robbing ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter viii the sifting time.htm

Hail, Jesus;
... the Jews, didst not disdain to be falsely accused and suffer ... and glory be to Thee,
O Christ, who, having ... extinguish in me the allurements of gluttony and the ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

Articles of Religion.
... Works; first of Fasting.5. Against Gluttony and Drunkenness ... the same, as certain
Anabaptists do falsely boast. ... Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ, and James ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm

The Manner in which Apollonius Refuted the Phrygians, and the ...
... that its teaching might prevail through gluttony." [1624]. ... [1636] Afterwards, having
falsely declared for ... or superseded those granted the apostles by Christ. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xviii the manner in which.htm

Introduction
... Of Meditation on the Sacred Passion of Christ; Of Twofold ... it was against such as
are falsely so called and ... on to do away with the rude "gluttony and drunkenness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/introduction.htm

Articuli xxxix. Ecclesi?? Anglican??. AD 1562.
... 5. Against Gluttony and Drunkenness ... receiving of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood
of Christ. ... possession of the same, as certayne Anabaptistes do falsely boast ...
/.../articuli xxxix ecclesiae anglicanae a d.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Accommodation, falsely ascribed to the Apostles, [20]1 (note). ... Gluttony, a slavish
passion, [715]96; inconsistent with our being members of Christ, [716]ib ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ...
... only real God, assumes many gods falsely so called ... is living, and having been buried
with Christ, is exalted ... themselves indeed confess their own gluttony, saying ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ii the absurdity and impiety.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia)? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian work where alcohol and tobacco are sold? | GotQuestions.org

Is caffeine addiction a sin? | GotQuestions.org

Gluttony: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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