[editor-surveyor]

"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?"

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"

[Campion]

He did in certain and distinct terms in verse 63

In other words, "eat my flesh and drink my blood, but you'll find that it's a waste of your time".

I don't think so. "These words", i.e., the words that I have just spoken to you, are spirit and life. 6:63 intensifies the previous chapter, it doesn't negate it.