Dr. Boers told us that “If anyone wants to discuss more, come to Jaggers!” I loved participating in this class, a Romans exegesis doctoral seminar, at Emory University, Candler School of Theology in September of 1987. When I arrived at Jaguars, I found Dr. Boers and other students drinking from a big pitcher of dark German beer. As the seminar continued, I was confused with the situation, as I had been taught that drinking was invented by Satan. Christians in Korea were supposed to refrain from drinking any form of alcohol for three reasons: It was against the Word of God, bad for one’s health, and a waste of money. My youth pastor condemned Catholics who drank wine at communion. “They’re all drunks!” Now, I was with students who were to be pastors, drinking beer, while discussing the Word of God.
That was the first cultural shock I experienced as a Christian in the USA. In fact, Jesus gave wine to drunk people. (John 2) Pharisees called Jesus “a glutton and a drunkard.” I was taught that drunkenness is a sin, but now it seems in the Bible getting drunk is permitted, even encouraged, like drinking at the wedding feast at Cana. Jesus went even further to make water into wine to make the host and guests happy.
Jesus accepted invitations to eat with tax collectors and sinners. The religious leaders were offended that he ate and drank with them. John the Baptist fasts but Jesus feasts. John abstains but Jesus drinks. Even John was confused with the actions of Jesus and sent his disciples to Jesus: “Are you he who should come or must we wait for another?” (Mt 11:3) Jesus said to John’s disciples: “Go and tell John what you hear and see.”
Religious leaders at the time regarded people sinners who worked as dice players, usurers, shepherds, tax collectors, weavers, shearers, leeches, bath masters, tanners, and even doctors, shippers, camel drivers and butchers. Jesus knew that these jobs were considered scandalous to some pious Jews. But Jesus ate and drank with them. Jesus was accused of having a free lifestyle. Jesus was free to eat or not to eat. He did not repudiate fasting but said: “The Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” He did not have to worry about dealing with people who were regarded as sinners. He didn’t need to keep away from people who were unclean. He was free from a desire for recognition from other people. He was not afraid of the judgment of others, either. Evidently here their own shadowy side came to light before Jesus like a clear mirror. Jesus excluded no one from eating and drinking with him, as he embraced everyone. Jesus transcends good and evil by God’s unconditional love. Now I am free from the issue of drinking with the drunkard, Jesus, the way, the life and the truth.
Reflection:
Are you annoyed, frustrated, or feeling as if you are missing something by following Christian practices and rules? Are you having difficulty with any Christian practice? Why?
Pastor Seok-Hwan
