The Truth About Jesus and Wine

Jesus drank only pure, unfermented grape juice, which the Bible describes as the "fruit of the vine" Matthew 26:29PTUK October 24, 1895, page 676.12. While he did provide wine for the wedding guests at Cana and used it during the first Communion, this beverage was entirely free from alcohol or fermentationPaM 171.2+1.

The Nature of the Wine Jesus Provided

The wine that Jesus made from water at the marriage feast in Cana was the pure, wholesome juice of the grapeTe 97.1. This "new wine" is the same as that found in the cluster, which the Scriptures declare contains a blessing Isaiah 65:8Te 97.1. Because fermented liquor is a cause of drunkenness and great evil, God has forbidden its use, and Jesus would never contradict His own divine teachings by providing itSJ 53.3+1. True "fruit of the vine" is simply the unfermented juice hermetically sealed within the grape skin; no vine on earth naturally produces fermented liquorPTUK October 24, 1895, page 676.12.

The Wine at the Communion Table

At the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus used unfermented wine as a symbol of His own bloodPaM 171.2.

• A Sacred Symbol: The sacramental service is designed to be life-giving and soul-refreshing, meaning it must not contain anything that ministers to evil, such as fermentationPaM 171.2+1.

• The Passover Context: During the Passover, no leaven or ferment was permitted in any Jewish household, ensuring the cup Jesus passed to His disciples was pureARSH December 24, 1901, page 831.14.

• A Future Promise: Jesus told His disciples He would not drink of this fruit of the vine again until He drinks it "new" with them in the Father’s kingdom Matthew 26:29ARSH December 24, 1901, page 831.14.

Spiritual and Physical Lessons

Jesus’ life was a consistent example of self-denial and the subjection of the lower natureMH 333.2. He fought the battle against perverted appetite during His forty-day fast in the wilderness to empower humanity to conquer in His nameRH April 19, 1887, par. 6+1.

• The Warning Against Strong Drink: Scripture is clear that wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging; those deceived by it are not wise Proverbs 20:1SJ 53.3+1.

• Physical and Mental Clarity: Intoxicating wine beclouds reasoning faculties and benumbs spiritual perceptions, as seen in the tragic case of Nadab and AbihuFE 427.3+1.

• The Life of Christ: It is even said that the pure wine Jesus provided was a product of His own life, and those who drank it by faith received spiritual life from HimPTUK April 26, 1894, page 260.4.

Following the example of Jesus means choosing temperance and refusing the tempting wine cupRH April 19, 1887, par. 6+1. By abstaining from all stimulants, we maintain the mental and moral power necessary for a close connection with the Source of all graceYI November 3, 1886, par. 4+1. 🍇✨