[SoothingDave]

Was He or was He not speaking to actual live people when he said that?

Of course He was. And those that found it "hard" left Him. Those who stuck around didn't understand at the moment either, but knew of no other place to turn.

Only when the Last Supper occured to Jesus' command become clear.

"Oh, this is how we are to eat His flesh and drink His blood!"

Like in the story of Abraham and Isaac, God provides the sacrifice.

SD

[Invincibly Ignorant]

Of course He was. And those that found it "hard" left Him. Those who stuck around didn't understand at the moment either, but knew of no other place to turn. Only when the Last Supper occured to Jesus' command become clear. "Oh, this is how we are to eat His flesh and drink His blood!" Like in the story of Abraham and Isaac, God provides the sacrifice.

Baloney. It said "many" of his disciples didn't understand. It didn't say "all" of his disciples. Even if "none" understood, (which wasn't the case) that doesn't mean following or believing on Him wasn't available yet.