We don’t fully understand what God says or does when we don’t have the full picture. Anything beyond what we have personally experienced is naturally questioned and doubted when our human reasoning kicks in. Our natural mind cannot believe or accept it. In fact, our natural mind is at enmity with the Spirit-led mind. 

In my lack of wisdom and understanding, I can look back over my history and tell you points in time when I deserted God through doubt and unbelief, ungodly thinking and actions. My understanding would come in the future, as confusion and rebellion yielded to my belief in Jesus. 

The disciples had the same problem. When Jesus told them something they didn’t understand, confusion set in. Jesus declared He was the bread of Heaven, and then went on to say, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you” (John 6:53). 

The disciples complained amongst themselves, saying, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?” Jesus was aware of their confusion and disbelief. He told them, “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (vs. 60-63).

At this point, many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. The word “many” is important because not all of the disciples deserted Him. Those who remained with Him were still confused about what He had said. They did not have all their questions answered, but they had Jesus. They trusted Him enough to wait for a fuller understanding.

The disciples’ fuller understanding began after Jesus’ resurrection. That understanding began during at the Last Supper, when Jesus served them the bread and wine during what would become their first act of communion.

The Passover meal was a prophecy that they would take part with Him, one with Him, in communion with Him and His tangible, resurrected presence in them. 

God’s truth can only come through the work of the Spirit. Our confusion will yield to the deeper things of the Spirit. It is a picture of faith in the middle of our confusion.