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So, I can't buy this explanation. It is nonsensical. Jesus tells us how his Flesh is given for the Life of the World, and then He says that his Own Flesh is worthless.

Here, ... He is speaking to the question of the moment ... (that which had the disciples in consternation) ... of the literal eating of His flesh, ... rather than of His Incarnation or Sacrifice.

No, sorry. Still not buying it. He says the spirit is what gives life and the flesh does not "profit" anything. Well, this is true. Without the spirit within we are bags of bones.

If Jesus had meant to be clear that He was speaking figurative He would have (1) said so unambiguously and (2) called back the crowds that misunderstood Him.

He did neither of those things. Because He was not speaking figuratively.

No, sorry. Still not buying it. He says the spirit is what gives life and the flesh does not "profit" anything. Well, this is true. Without the spirit within we are bags of bones.

How would such a statement fit into the context of the discussion ?

If Jesus had meant to be clear that He was speaking figurative He would have (1) said so unambiguously and (2) called back the crowds that misunderstood Him.

Not so! Many times JESUS privately explained to His disciples statements which had been unclear to, ... both, the disciples and the multitudes.

I can think of no greater victory for Satan than when he got the NCs to believe that Jesus did not mean this clear and simple truth, even though it is probably the most often repeated, painstakingly explained and plain spoken thing He is recorded as saying.

How vague is this? "THIS IS MY BODY"

It not only damages them by seperating them from Him, it seperates them from each other, and from us, and from Grace. And, if that were not tragedy enough, it tempts them to commit blasphemy over and over again as they are compelled to mock the concept every time the subject comes up.

As much as anything, I think that is the greatest danger of the neverending story: the temptation to blaspheme in defense of a theology whose primary credo seems to be the mocking of the majority of the earth's Christians.

Is it any wonder that the fragments of protestantism outnumber the languages on earth? When else did God scatter a people in such a way? And why? Pride and conceit, thats why, Satan's downfall. Yours?

Try this on or size. Can you do it? Say: "If you say so Jesus."

v.

If Jesus had meant to be clear that He was speaking figurative He would have (1) said so unambiguously and (2) called back the crowds that misunderstood Him.

This is old ground. Last time I quoted this you called it near blasphemy; but, here goes:

Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? [11] He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

[12] For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. [13] Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

[14] And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

[15] For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

[16] But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

[17] For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

[18] Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

And the kicker: 1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

From Jesus own mouth - It was not given them to know these things and it was purposed. Chase after them and tell them they had it wrong - not hardly. To the apostles he gave clarity. To the unbelievers he gave parables. And it was so purposed to keep the unbelievers and the devil dumb about what was to come.