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)

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

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

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