John 6:25–58 is one of my favorite stories. The crowd had just experienced the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000, and they showed up the next day, eager for more. But Jesus saw through their hunger—not for Him, but for bread.
When He calls them out, they pivot: “Okay, what good works should we do?” Then they ask for another sign. Maybe more bread? After all, Moses gave their ancestors manna in the desert.
Jesus gently corrects them: the manna came from God, not Moses. And now, the Father wants to give them the True Bread. They’re thrilled—finally, He gets it! The best bread ever! But then Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life.”
Cue record scratch.
They’re confused. Disappointed. They can’t eat His flesh, and they don’t understand what He means. So they walk away.
I laugh a little when I read this. I mean, I get it—bread is amazing. Fresh sourdough? Garlic knots? Sign me up. But I also get the privilege of reading this story knowing who Jesus is and what He’s really offering: something far better than unlimited carbs.
And then I realize, I’m not so different. I’ve come to God asking for healing, provision, and clarity. When the answer is “no” or “not yet,” I’ve felt disappointed. But God is always good. His “no” is never cruel; it’s a redirection toward something deeper.
So I keep learning to trust Him. Even when what He offers doesn’t look like what I thought I needed. Because what He gives is always better than breadsticks.
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you love me enough to say no. I thank you that when I am caught up in the
moment, seeking instant gratification; You are holding the future in mind. Help me to remember that your ways are far beyond my ways and that Your love, faithfulness and goodness Never Fails. Amen
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