Topical Encyclopedia Murmuring, in the biblical context, refers to the act of grumbling or expressing discontent in a subdued manner. This behavior is often associated with a lack of faith or trust in God's provision and plan. In the New Testament, the Jews' murmuring against Jesus is a significant theme that highlights their skepticism and resistance to His teachings and divine authority.Biblical Instances of Murmuring Against Jesus 1. John 6:41-42: One of the most notable instances of murmuring against Jesus occurs after He declares Himself to be the "bread that came down from heaven." The Jews grumble because they know His earthly family and cannot comprehend His heavenly origin. The Berean Standard Bible states: "At this, the Jews began to grumble about Him because He said, 'I am the bread that came down from heaven.' They were asking, 'Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, "I have come down from heaven"?'" 2. John 7:12: During the Feast of Tabernacles, there is widespread murmuring among the crowds concerning Jesus. Some people express doubt and suspicion about His character and mission. The BSB records: "There was a lot of murmuring about Him among the crowds. Some said, 'He is a good man.' But others replied, 'No, He deceives the people.'" 3. John 6:60-61: After Jesus teaches about eating His flesh and drinking His blood, many of His disciples find His words difficult to accept, leading to murmuring. Jesus, aware of their discontent, addresses their doubts directly. The BSB notes: "On hearing it, many of His disciples said, 'This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?' Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus asked them, 'Does this offend you?'" Theological Implications The murmuring of the Jews against Jesus is emblematic of a broader spiritual struggle. It reflects a resistance to accepting Jesus as the Messiah and a reluctance to embrace the radical nature of His message. This murmuring is not merely a vocal expression of doubt but signifies a deeper spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. From a theological perspective, murmuring against Jesus can be seen as a continuation of the Israelites' historical pattern of grumbling against God, as seen in the Old Testament. Just as the Israelites murmured against Moses and God's provision in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3; Numbers 14:2), the Jews of Jesus' time exhibit a similar lack of faith and understanding. Response of Jesus In response to the murmuring, Jesus often addresses the root of their disbelief. He challenges their understanding and calls them to a deeper faith. For instance, in John 6:43-44, Jesus responds to their grumbling by emphasizing the necessity of divine drawing for true belief: "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus replied. "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day." Jesus' responses to murmuring are not merely defensive but are invitations to faith and deeper spiritual insight. He seeks to redirect their focus from earthly concerns to heavenly realities, urging them to recognize Him as the fulfillment of God's promises. Conclusion The murmuring of the Jews against Jesus serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges He faced in His earthly ministry. It underscores the tension between human skepticism and divine revelation, highlighting the necessity of faith to truly understand and accept the person and work of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index John 6:41-43,52The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. Nave's Topical Index Library Our Lord Jesus Christ Having Wrought in Jud??a Many and Great and ... And at that Time the Feast of Tabernacles of the Jews Drew Near. . ... Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany. Jesus Discussed in Jerusalem. Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of ... Acts VI Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness. The Diatessaron of Tatian Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Resources What is glossolalia? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the flesh? | GotQuestions.org Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Murmuring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Murmuring of Israelites Against Moses Murmuring: Against: Disciples of Christ Murmuring: Against: Ministers of God Murmuring: Against: The Service of God Murmuring: Against: The Sovereignty of God Murmuring: Characteristic of the Wicked Murmuring: Guilt of Encouraging Others In Murmuring: Jews, Against Jesus Murmuring: Unreasonableness of Related Terms |
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