56. He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood dwells continually in Me, and I [in like manner dwell continually] in him.
57. Just as the living Father sent Me and I live by (through, because of) the Father, even so whoever continues to feed on Me [whoever takes Me for his food and is nourished by Me] shall [in his turn] live through and because of Me.
58. This is the Bread that came down from heaven. It is not like the manna which our forefathers ate, and yet died; he who takes this Bread for his food shall live forever.
59. He said these things in a synagogue while He was teaching at Capernaum.
60. When His disciples heard this, many of them said, This is a hard and difficult and strange saying (an offensive and unbearable message). Who can stand to hear it? [Who can be expected to listen to such teaching?]
61. But Jesus, knowing within Himself that His disciples were complaining and protesting and grumbling about it, said to them: Is this a stumbling block and an offense to you? [Does this upset and displease and shock and scandalize you?]
62. What then [will be your reaction] if you should see the Son of Man ascending to [the place] where He was before?
63. It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.
64. But [still] some of you fail to believe and trust and have faith. For Jesus knew from the first who did not believe and had no faith and who would betray Him and be false to Him.
65. And He said, This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him [unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.
66. After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him.