The answer is: Jesus

Matt 11:19

In the gospel of Matthew, we get this intriguing portrayal of Jesus as "a glutton and a drunk." Now, hold up! This isn’t Jesus's true self; rather, it reflects how his time spent with people, particularly the outcasts and sinners, tossed him into a bit of mud in the eyes of the religious elite. Imagine being criticized for simply enjoying life and connecting with others over meals! Ah, the irony.

Back in Jesus’s day, feasting wasn’t merely a culinary celebration; it had cultural significance. Banquets were about inclusion, community, and sometimes preaching those deep conversations they would have while sharing a meal. When Jesus gathered with his companions, he flipped the norms—celebrating with tax collectors and sinners—and that was likely the root of the criticism hurled his way.

Funny enough, we see echoes of this concept in other biblical figures. King Saul’s lavish feasting led him to forget the needs of his people, while the good host in Proverbs’s Proverbs 28:7 is critical of indulgence without purpose. Perhaps Jesus stood as an example saying that sometimes, a little excess can break down barriers and create deeper connections.

Additionally, the accusations of being a “glutton and a drunk” highlights that often the bravest changes of heart start right on the dinner table, where bonds are forged over shared food and drink. Food, after all, can nourish not just our bodies but our spirits!