that simply isnt true, you are reading into this what you want. the text doesnt suggest anything of the sort.
in fact, the only apostle who fell away was judas, just at this point where Christ says his flesh is REAL food, the phrasing used doesnt even come close to any analogy, or symbolism....
folks dont walk away from a symbol....
other occasions when there was confusion, Christ explained just what he meant (cf. Matt. 16:5–12). Here, where any misunderstanding would be fatal, there was no effort by Jesus to correct. Instead, he repeated himself for greater emphasis.
Twelve times he said he was the bread that came down from heaven; four times he said they would have “to eat my flesh and drink my blood.” John 6 was an extended promise of what would be instituted at the Last Supper—and it was a promise that could not be more explicit.
You dont repeat a symbol 12 times, if you mean something is real, you dont toss out an analogy and say four times EAT MY FLESH AND DRINK MY BLOOD, if its not REAL.
“that simply isnt true, you are reading into this what you want. the text doesnt suggest anything of the sort.”
I pretty much just repeated what it said.
“folks dont walk away from a symbol....
other occasions when there was confusion, Christ explained just what he meant (cf. Matt. 16:5–12). Here, where any misunderstanding would be fatal, there was no effort by Jesus to correct. Instead, he repeated himself for greater emphasis.”
Jesus explained it to His apostles. He simply did not explain it to EVERYONE, since it was not given for EVERYONE to understand and be saved.
Joh 12:38-40 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? (39) Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, (40) He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Jesus does not say that they should start munching down on Jesus right then and there. He said, my words are “spirit,” and it is the spirit that quickeneth.