If Jesus was speaking figuratively why when his disciples and other followers left him because “this was hard to hear” did he not let those who were leaving him over this hard to hear message know he was only speaking figuratively?
For the same reasons he spoke in parables he know many could not understand. Jesus knew they could never understand. No one can accept and understand unless God specifically gives them the faith to do so.
"no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." Jn 6:65
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." Jn 6:44
In Chapter 4 Jesus gives the same figurative speech using the "living water" analogy and a whole city of Samaritans not only understand but are almost instantly converted. This despite the fact the Jews were in a much better position to understand and believe. Thus, faith is a gift from God and cannot be obtained by one's will or works.
Why is it you people chose to believe only the verses that 'appear' to condone the existance of your religion???
Jesus already said previously that He 'always' speaks in parables in 'mixed' company...There's your clue right there...
Jesus already pointed out to the crowd that even if they saw Him ascend to Heaven, they still wouldn't believe...Jesus said that He knew this crew and they weren't going to follow Him anyway...They weren't interested in following Him...They wanted free food...
Jesus gave no command to, or instructions on how to turn bread and wine into flesh and blood...
Jesus said 'when you BREAK bread, remember His body which is BROKEN...The broken bread equates to 'broken' body...You guys don't even break bread...or do you symbolically break bread and literally eat flesh???
He did in certain and distinct terms in verse 63:
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life"