⁵⁶ Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.^{(A) 57} Just as the living Father sent me^(B) and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. ⁵⁸ This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”^{(C) 59} He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Many Disciples Desert Jesus

⁶⁰ On hearing it, many of his disciples^(D) said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”^(E)

⁶¹ Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you?^{(F) 62} Then what if you see the Son of Man^(G) ascend to where he was before!^{(H) 63} The Spirit gives life;^(I) the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit^[a] and life. ⁶⁴ Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known^(J) from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.^{(K) 65} He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”^(L)

⁶⁶ From this time many of his disciples^(M) turned back and no longer followed him.

⁶⁷ “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.^(N)

⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him,^(O) “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.^{(P) 69} We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”^(Q)