11 November 2005

What would Jesus Drink?

We’ve all seen those “What would Jesus do?” bumper stickers and bracelets. Lately I’ve seen "Who would Jesus bomb?" stickers as well.

While this line of inquiry is all well and good, I have a more important question:

What would Jesus drink?

Jesus was a carpenter who associated with laborers, farmers and fishermen -- He didn't hang out with the rich, or the well-connected. With this information, perhaps we can make some assumptions about his drink:

  • Martinis -- I doubt He drank martinis or any other drink that required a toothpick. They're just too "upper class" and besides, it's tough to look like the Messiah when you're gingerly sipping liquid from a martini glass.

  • Margaritas -- He didn't drink these either, not frozen nor on the rocks. Look, tequila can make you do some really stupid things (I know) and He couldn't afford to risk it. Suppose He got drunk on tequila and started forgiving everyone unconditionally? With unconditional forgiveness, where would the church be?

  • Rum Runners -- He most certainly didn't drink anything that comes in a glass with a little umbrella.

  • Wine -- We know He turned water into wine at a wedding, and He served wine at the last supper, but those were special occasions. He was ensuring everyone had a good time and wanted to impress his guests with the full-bodied, blood-of-your-savior, smoky flavor he could create.

  • Beer -- I tend to think of Jesus as a beer drinker. Beer fits better with his demographic. Carpenters, farmers and fishermen don't "pop open a bottle of wine", they down a beer. Saving the world is hard work and beer quenches thirst better than wine. Plus beer doesn't give you that killer tannin-induced headache the next day. Jesus couldn't afford to be grumpy and hung-over.
What do you think Jesus drank?

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