As Jesus continues to teach the crowds that follow him to the other side of the lake, they begin to "murmur" or "grumble" about Jesus' claims. Their response is like a flashback to the rebellious Israelites who murmured and grumbled against Moses. At the same time, God seems to honor complaints, like in the Psalms. What's the difference? Why can one kind of negativity be the essence of unbelief and the other be included as part of sacred worship? Understanding the difference is critical to our spiritual connection to God and one another!

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For Reflection:

The crowd acts like the grumbling of the Israelites against Moses and God, yet many of the sacred Psalms of complaint (e.g. Psalm 88) are God-approved worship songs.

- How would you explain the difference between grumbling and complaining? Why is grumbling rebellious while complaining to God has an honored place in worship?

- What are some ways that you have moved from grumbling about God to instead complain to God? Is there an area of your life where God might be inviting you into more conversation?