³⁰ They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? ³¹ After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

³² Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. ³³ The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

³⁴ “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

³⁵ Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:30-35

Dear God, this is an example of people having two different conversations while they talk to each other. The people, in their ignorance and human limitations, are speaking through one paradigm while Jesus is operating in a totally different realm. They are comparing him to Moses (while still messing up the story and ascribing the provision of manna to Moses instead of you), but he is telling them that he is you–he is God.

I have to tell you that I have done my best to come to you and eat of your bread, but there are times when I am still hungry. I put that on myself and not you. I come, but I don’t stay. I wander off. I start to chase my own nose. I let anger take over. And then I find myself hungry. At least I’ve learned enough to return to you. And you’re right–no matter my situation, there is a joy and a peace that passes understanding

I was talking with a friend this morning about some of our respective vices, and I told him that I’ve gotten better at submitting them to you by rejecting self-pity in any given situation and leaning on you for any perceived injustice I am facing. It’s my self-pity and selfishness that leads me down the trail of vice. It is my submission that leads me to freedom.

Father, those people didn’t really understand who they were talking to, and I don’t know that I would have been any different if I had been there. In fact, I do know and I wouldn’t have. I would have been exactly like them. So I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the selfishness and self-pity that I still allow to take over my heart. Make me an instrument of your peace by starting with allowing you to bring peace to my heart.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen