41 At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42 They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?"
Do not be mistaken - grumbling, doubting, complaining and nay saying are not held in high regard throughout Scripture nor are they thought of as favorable attributes to attain. Indeed, the Jews were often punished for their persistent grumblings in the wilderness. One such example is sited in Numbers and clearly demonstrates God’s opinion of their actions:
1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down. Num 11:1-2 (NIV)
They had already received from the hand of God miracle after miracle – they had received provision from Him time and time again. Unfortunately, they chose to be equally disposed to embracing both the way of righteousness in faith and the way of unrighteousness – disbelieving God’s commands and promises relying upon their own means. The Bible calls this double-minded. We find in James a clear description of those who fall into this pattern:
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8 (NIV)
These Jews knew to ask Jesus for bread to satisfy their earthly appetites and desires yet forgot to pray for wisdom to satisfy their spiritual appetites and questions which God says is readily available for the asking. God is not pleased with our double minded thinking – His desire is not for us to be unstable rather to stand firm. Wisdom from above is to be treasured and valued above all earthly “bread”:
10 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, 11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Prov 8:10-11 (NIV)
The Jews reaction in our verses for today to Jesus’ gracious words announcing that He was the Bread of Life from heaven should have been one of bowing and worshipping rather than grumbling and doubting. Relying solely on their own reasoning they thought it only logical to disbelieve because they knew who His earthly parents were. This would have been a good time for them to re-address Proverbs 3:
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov 3:5-6 (NIV)
Human insights alone will always be found wanting as they are never enough. Paul tells us that we see partially – our wisdom paling in comparison to God’s infinite wisdom. On the other hand, God sees fully – His ways always being superior, incomprehensible and trustworthy:
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Cor 13:11-12 (NIV)
Let me not be misunderstood here. There is a marked difference between our humbly seeking insight and understanding from God when we are confused regarding His ways – He delights to teach His children – and our belligerent distrust of His Words relying rather on our own understanding and wisdom. Cleary this is shown in the following two encounters recorded in Luke. Zechariah – the father of John the Baptist – was visited by the angel Gabriel and told his barren wife, well passed childbearing years, would bear him a son. Doubting, Zechariah demanded proof. The following is Zechariah’s response and the ensuing consequence from Gabriel – an indication of his doubt of the words spoken to him:
18 Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." 19 The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." Luke 1:18-20 (NIV)
On the other hand, Mary – the mother of our Lord – humbly questions Gabriel regarding his announcement and receives a favorable response – an indication that she did not doubt his words rather questioned how this miracle would be accomplished through her:
34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:34-38 (NIV)