“I think Christ was addressing the people in this way because it was pretty obvious they could not understand”
THAT is the point. They did NOT understand. Those who did not understand could be forgiven. But what of those who did and chose it anyway? There was no wiggle room in those words.
I don’t think any of them understood Mesta. Just as with the Apostle Paul, before he met Christ, on his way to butcher those who believed in Christ. He had a tre and sincere zeal for God but no understanding that it was Christ he was persecuting.....until Christ met Him and revealed Himself to Paul.
And that is how God really does work with us...no matter if Jewish , an unbelieverr, or something else....when it is our time to meet Him He is already waiting in the way that we go to reveal Himself to us. Some will hear His voice within their heart and others will walk away. But that is where the choice of life is made for all men.